Insight Magazine - May 2015

May 2015 • www.InsightEastOrlando.com

Summer CampGuide

2015 EAST ORLANDO

Serving The Communities Of East & Southeast Orlando

This Month: Public Safety

Mathnasium Prepares Students for Math Excellence in

East Orlando, And BeyondCommunity Needs More Fire Stations But Orange County Fire Budget Falls Short

Family Enforcement: Local Cop Betters Himself, Family and Community

How Alternative Transportation Can Make Our Roadways Safer

Plus:

About the Cover:Mathnasium in Waterford Lakes and Lake Nona

uses proprietary teaching techniques to help K-12 students catch up, keep up and get ahead.

Details on Page 9.

Nominate East Orlando’s

Most Outstanding Student.

Details inside.

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Visit InsightEastOrlando.com to nomimate an outstanding student! Nominations begin May 1 and end May 31. Voting begins June 1.

Students must be in Pre K - 12th grade.

We will share the stories online and hold an online poll to determine who has the best story. The winner

will be announced in our August Back to School issue.

Jianna Simonet took home $500 just in time for back to school shopping last year.

Presented by

Nominate an Outstanding Student!

Mathnasium will offer a 6 month scholarship worth up to $1,500 to the most outstanding student.

(Non-transferable and no trade in. Value is approximately $1500)

Public safety often conjures images of crossing guards or sidewalks,

but there is a national organization committed to furthering public safety while making communities more sustainable.

The Congress for New Urbanism - Orlando supports New Urbanist communities and intentional design, highlighting the importance of alternative transportation, as well as the need for more intentional urban planning.

Orlando Regional Director and National Board Member, Eliza Harris Juliano, explains the New Urbanism movement. She says, “New Urbanism is a movement to build and rebuild places that are loveable, walkable, and sustainable. Since World War II most communities have been built under the assumption that every resident would drive everywhere they go and that our main streets are billboards rather than communities centers.”

Long-time CNU member and architect John Van Fossen echoes this sentiment, adding, “As we have continued the great experiment of suburban sprawl we have developed a system of designing streets

which appears to have only one goal – the most expeditious movement of cars through the environment.”

He continues, “So the design of our streets has ‘evolved’ to meet that goal. Unfortunately, making streets safe for movement of cars has led to an unsafe place for pedestrians and bicyclists.”

Creating sustainable communities like this makes for safer streets and also gives commuters the option to experience alternative modes of transportation like walking or biking.

For those who are unfamiliar with this concept, Juliano emphasizes that there are many ways to get involved and promote New Urbanism. It starts with understanding the concept of New Urbanism and recognizing that more density within the community is not always the answer.

She says, “Our job as the community is to ensure new homes, apartments, and stores are arranged such that they are easy and pleasant to walk to and from so that density actually works for us rather than against us.”

Unfortunately, the New Urbanism

movement hasn’t reached a fever pitch in Florida in general or Orlando specifically. In fact, according to one report by Dangerous by Design, Florida has the four worst regions to walk in the U.S.

“Now that doesn't mean our urban places are dangerous, but so few of the places in our state are urban and designed for walking that it's not really surprising. Our state came of age during a time when the car was king … we've still got an uphill battle because the majority of our community isn't built that way,” says Juliano.

As the Congress for New Urbanism demonstrates, activism is a great way to promote the benefits of walkable, mixed use communities that encourage public safety.

Fortunately, there is change happening in the community toward safer, more sustainable communities and some communities, like Avalon Park and Laureate Park, are proof.

Recently, the City of Orlando made bike parking in front of businesses more accessible by allowing business owners to request a bike rack for the front of their store and installing them in the public right of way.

Explains Juliano, “Orange County is planning to revisit their zoning code in favor of a ‘Sustainable Development Code.’ In the next five years you will see a lot more urban options available.”

Congress for New Urbanism Promotes Public SafetyBy Natalie Costa

OrlandoCNU

C E N T R A LF L O R I D A

The Congress for New Urbanism Orlando supports highlighting the importance of alternative transportation,

such as bike riding.

The Congress for New Urbanism Orlando supports New Urbanist Communities such as Avalon Park and Laureate Park.

Insight Magazine | May 2015 • 3www.InsightEastOrlando.com | 321.302.6553 for advertising information

4 • May 2015 | Insight Magazine 321.302.6553 for advertising information | www.InsightEastOrlando.com

Orange County Fire Services are in need of some relief of their own.

Some financial relief, that is. The Orange County Fire Department is experiencing a significant deficit in funds, which will require an immediate response to ensure the welfare of the program.

Deputy Administrator Eric Gassman explained that revenues for the Orange County Fire Department are critically low due to legislative mandated rollbacks and the subsequent recession at a Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 24.

Gassman says, “Since 2008, the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) fund has been under extreme stress due to property tax reform and the recession.”

Gassman points out that Fire Services is experiencing a cumulative deficit of $24 million, the result of not collecting $133 million in revenue since 2008. Under different circumstances, “We would have collected $176 million more [in] revenue,” he says.

To which Mayor Teresa Jacobs responded, “Which would have built all of the fire

stations that we’re talking about.”

This in reference to Chief Otto Drozd’s proposal for three additional fire stations in Orange County to meet the rising demand in areas like UCF and Avalon Park where there is considerable population growth.

Gassman says, “In 2010 we became structurally unbalanced … we are spending more than we’re taking in.”

The current fiscal year’s budget is $160 million and Fire Rescue reserves are at 4.2 percent, which is .8 percent below the target reserve.

However, the state estimates that property values will grow by 5 to 7 percent over the next five years, a distinct change from the significant decline in property tax revenues since 2008.

To fund projects like the addition of three fire stations to service the East Orlando community, revenue enhancements would be critical.

However, there is no current funding to support any new expenditures.

Says Mayor Jacobs, “That’s what put us in the tight situation that we [are] in

today … if we hold the course and are very conscientious we can ride this out.”

As a potential solution, Commissioner Ted Edwards questioned the benefits of returning the millage rate to its former amount, saying, “Putting millage back would not be the hardship it was before the recession.”

Millage rate is the rate per one thousand dollars of taxable property value which, when multiplied by the taxable value, yields the tax billing for a given parcel.

This change would increase the current millage rate of 2.4237 to 2.5862, a difference of .1625.

“Doing so would add north of $15 million per year,” says Gasser. He continues, “That would go a long way in addressing those three new fire station needs.”

Mayor Jacobs called into consideration how this change could impact public concern around the issue of taxes versus quality of life in the East Orlando community. She said, “We have a duty to be involved in the sustainability of the community,” said Mayor Jacobs.

Both Mayor Jacobs and County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson offered conditional support based on a holistic overview of the numbers and projected impact on Orange County, requesting additional information about how much revenue would be generated as a result of this change.

Looking forward, Gassman projected that Fire Services would be collecting $15.1 million in taxes, which is about 12 percent of total revenues, and a fraction of the revenue that will be necessary to properly fund Fire Services in Orange County.

Orange County Fire Department Financial Future at Risk By Natalie Costa

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Dear Readers,

Public safety is of vital importance in East Orlando. That’s why we have dedicated this issue to let you know what local law enforcement is doing and how safety is improving in our community.

This month, we focus on issues that impact the safety of you and your family. We look at the Orange County Fire Department, how budget deficits are impacting the department and what viable solutions exist. We also take a look at one of the top law enforcement officers at UCF and how he balances work, school and family.

Even though we’re focusing on public safety, we know summer is right around the corner. That means you may be looking for a way to keep your children active while school is out. Whether your child is aspiring to be an artist, scientist, engineer or athlete, there’s likely a summer camp for your child right here in East Orlando.

Our cover this month features Mathnasium. Mathnasium, a math- only tutoring center for students in grades K through 12, with locations in Waterford Lakes Town Center and Lake Nona.

Remember to stay tuned to InsightEastOrlando.com for updates to these stories and more.

Happy Reading!

Table ContentsofLetter from the Publisher – David Mullins

FeaturesCongress for New Urbanism Promotes Public Safety

Orange County Fire Department Financial Future at Risk

2015 Summer Camp Guide

East Orlando Needs More Fire Stations

Play Ball! A Parent’s Guide to an Active Summer Break

Summer Camps Offer Budding Artists Place to Shine

Science Camps in East Orlando Prepare Students for STEM Careers

Family Enforcement: Local Cop Betters Himself, Community

Sharing the Road: Tips for Cyclists and Motorist

FRONT COVER: Mark A. Bernhardt/PotShots Photography PotShots Photography

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Cover StoryMathnasium Prepares Students for Math Excellence in East Orlando, And Beyond

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Summer is right around the corner. Summer means hotter, longer days

and no school. While your children may be looking forward to sleeping in and vegging out, you may be looking for a more organized outlet to keep your children entertained.

Summer camps are a place where children can explore new hobbies or build upon passions all while having fun and learning. Various East Orlando summer camps have submitted their information online at InsightEastOrlando.com so that we could compile this summer camp guide.

Gotta Dance Christmas in July CampThis exciting week of dance will focus on jazz, ballet, hip hop and Musical theater. Children will create crafts and props for their studio performance on Friday, which will be for their families and friends. Attendees will need to bring their own lunch. Please provide your own lunch. This camp is for children ages 5 to 9.

When: July 20th - July 24th, 10am-1pm

Cost: $99.00

Contact: Christina Carlisi 781 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828 (407) 380-6620 | GottaDanceOnline.com

Gotta Dance Pinterest Junior CampExpand the creativity of your mini-dancer through a twice-per-week camp that offers dancing, crafting and imagination. With themed lesson days and non-stop activities, Moms can enjoy a break while their dancers are introduced to the creative arts. Snacks are provided for attendees. This five-week program is available for children ages 3 to 5. When: June 22nd - August 1st; every Tuesday and Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm no class July 7th or 9thCost: $99.00Contact: Christina Carlisi 781 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828 (407) 380-6620 | GottaDanceOnline.com

iBrick Academy Summer Camps featuring LEGOiBrick Academy provides Summer LEGO Camps for a wide range of ages and abilities. It starts with our Early Learning Camps for ages 3 through 6; camps for ages 7 and up; and our new Endless Possibilities camp for children with special needs. Other LEGO Summer Camps include: LEGO Robotics, LEGO Master Builder, LEGO Minecraft, LEGO Advanced Robotics Camps, LEGO Animation Camps and LEGO Waterbotics Camps. Each camp is led by a certified Florida teacher.When: June 8 through Aug. 14Cost: From $129 to $245Contact: James Jones16877 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32820(407) 230-6100 | iBrickAcademy.com

Every Hero Has a Story: Alafaya Branch LibraryEvery hero has a story! Join us this summer for weekly special events featuring superheroes, science, animals, arts and storytelling at all Orange County Library System locations, including the Alafaya Branch Library. Complete the Reading and Activity Calendar for a goody bag and to enter the drawing to win prizes such as a mini iPad; Nook e-reader; bicycle; family hotel staycation; tickets to WonderWorks and the Central Florida Zoo; and more!When: June 9 through Aug. 4Cost: FreeContact: Danielle King 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 835-7323 | OCLS.Info/SRPKids

Ultimate Power: Martial ArtsOur Martial Arts Campers always have a great fun-filled summer. Our summer camp theme weeks include: team building, ultimate challenge, talent, survival, weird science, sports, water, Disney, gladiator and everything goes. The children will have an unforgettable summer filled with field trips, scavenger hunts, tie-dye, sport challenges, cool science experiments, team challenges, martial arts classes, hip hop classes, tumbling & fitness challenge classes, and more. To make it more convenient for our parents, we provided a morning snack and lunch for attendees.

When: June 8 through Aug. 21; Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $170 to $200 per week

Contact: Yadira Kitterman 7480 Narcoossee Road, Suite 100A-E Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 826-1994 | UPMAFC.com

Ultimate Power: Cheer Prep Tumbling CampOur Cheer Prep Tumbling Camp is a great way for athletes to learn the basic of tumbling: forward roll, backward roll, tiger tail, handstand or advance on their handstand forward roll, cartwheel, one-arm cartwheel, round off, bridge, kick over, handstand, backward over, front handspring, front handspring step out & back handspring.

When: June 8 through Aug. 21; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an extended day until 6 p.m. option

Cost: $170 to $200 per week

Contact: Yadira Kitterman 7480 Narcoossee Road, Suite 100A-E Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 826-1994 | UPMAFC.com

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Academic CampsRead Ahead (Pre-K, kindergarten and firstStudents develop the building blocks for early reading and writing skills through fun, multi-sensory activities.Academic Reading (Grades 2 through 5)Students develop skills in reading comprehension and vocabulary.Writing (Grades 4 through 9)From writing movie reviews to crafting web copy, children will learn key techniques throughcreative writing projects.Study Skills (Grades 6 through 8)Bring on bigger workloads with ease! Children will develop time management, organization andstrategic planning skills for success.

When: June 8 through Aug. 8

Cost: $249

Contact: Belinda Wheeler 10815 Dylan Loren Cir, Orlando Fl, 32825 (407) 207-8050 | SylvanLearning.com

Coding CampsCoding (Grades 3 through 8)Kids have a blast creating video games through cool, interactive projects, including a game that can be played with friends.Game Design Camp (Grades 3 through 5)Get familiar with programming by designing and building 2D video games from start to finish, including animated players, music and sound effectsGame Design Camp (Grades 6 through 8)Build a strong foundation of programming skills by building a different type of video game each day - complete with game logic and physics.Creative Coding (Grades 3 through 8)Unleash your creativity and programming skills with coding projects in art, music and math, such as comic design, animation and game design.


Cost: $299

Contact: Belinda Wheeler 10815 Dylan Loren Cir., Orlando Fl, 32825 (407) 207-8050 | SylvanLearning.com

RoboticsRobotics (Grades 2 through 6)Working in pairs, kids discover how to build and program a variety of amazing robots using LEGO® bricks - great for the hands and the mind.Build-a-Bot (grades 2 through 4)Get introduced to the amazing world of robotics by building and programming robots and engaging in friendly competitions.Build-a-Bot (grades 4 through 6)Create and program complex robots with friends while learning problem solving skills and engineering concepts.Bot Lab (Grades 2 through 4)Stretch your imagination and skills by creating new robots based on fun themes, such as Superhero School and Dino World.Bot Lab (Grades 4 through 6)Experiment with advanced STEM concepts, create and bring to life sophisticated robots based on themes such as Safari Adventures and Movie Stunt Sets.


Cost: $249

Contact: Belinda Wheeler 10815 Dylan Loren Cir., Orlando Fl, 32825(407) 207-8050 | SylvanLearning.com

Amanda Cromwell Soccer AcademyCBCA is an all-girls camp designed for the advanced field player and goalkeeper who want to get on a pathway to college soccer. We will focus on advance topics that will help prepare athletes for the challenges that college soccer brings including leadership, communication, skill development, tactical awareness and the college recruitment process. Players will receive technical skill training and tactical training from college coaches who use a variety of drills and games to improve an athlete’s overall level.

When: July 7 through July 15

Cost: $500 to $650

Contact: Amanda Cromwell 1935 Don Wickham Rd., Clermont Fl, 34711 (310) 206-2269 | UCLASoccer.com

Camp Nona at Lake Nona YMCAThe Lake Nona YMCA Summer Camp program for members only offers traditional summer camp activities which include arts and crafts, sports and games, team building and character development. Our summer camp programs are also focused on using our YMCA core values to reduce bullying, encourage friendships and increase the physical and mental well-being of every child. Activities include: Reader’s Theater, CATCH, and programs to help reduce family stress. Children will swim everyday in summer day camp, weather permitting. All children will be swim tested every week and non-swimmers will be allowed to participate in other aquatic activities or take swim lessons.

When: June 8 through Aug. 14 From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Cost: $145 per week for members with a $35 registration fee

Contact: Lauren Ward 9055 Northlake Parkway, Orlando Fl, 32827(407) 852-3520 | YMCACentralFlorida.com

United Cerebral Palsy of Central FloridaEach week, the focus is on a different theme designed to spark creativity. Summer camp programs are in the morning only, but before and after care is available. Summer camp programs are available at 6 UCP of Central Florida locations. Camps run weekly and children from Pre-K to fifth grade can be registered for one week or all 10.


Cost: Varies campus to campus

Contact: Katherine Coulthart1221 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando Fl, 32804 (407) 852-3300 | UCPCFL.org

Second International Piano Camp with Laurent BoukobzaThe camp will be in three sessions for pianists ages 11 to 18. Students will receive about 25 minutes of private instruction everyday with Professor Boukobza in a master class setting where students will observe other students’ lessons, as well as participate in many other activities. These include yoga for pianists, which is not required, but encouraged; instruction in relaxation and body awareness; music theory; piano literature; sight reading; and daily practice time.Please bring a packed lunch; complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided each day.

When: June 8 through June 26 From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: $320 to $890 with a discount for siblings and 10 percent off for Avalon School of Music students

Contact: Laurent Boukobza12001 Avalon Lake Drive., Orlando, FL 32828 (407) 256-1736 | LaurentBoukobza.com/Academy/2nd-International-Piano-Summer-Camp

Mikenda Farm Horse Camp Mikenda farm offers our youth summer horse camp for a limited time in June. Our program features experienced, qualified and certified instructors. Children who like to be outside working and learning about animals are great candidates for our camp. Experience is not necessary. Beginner to intermediate riders who are 5 to 13 years old best suited for our program.

When: June 8 through June 27

Cost: $245 per week

Contact: Brenda Hagemeister 4740 Lazy H Lane, Christmas, FL 32709(407) 568-8418 | MikendaFarm.com

Whether your child is interested in the arts, robotics, dance or martial arts, there is likely a summer camp that they will enjoy. Space for these camps is limited, so check out a camp soon if you think it best suites your child.

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Population Density 3001+ 2001-3000 1001-2000 0-1000

Density Classification Metropolitan Urban Suburban Rural

Best Industry Standard – NFPA 1710

6:20 6:20 6:20 6:20

Best industry Practice – Center for Public Safety Exc.

6:20 6:20 7:20 12:20

Tri-Data Recommendation 7:40 8:20 9:20 11:20

OCFRD 2013 Performance 9:19 9:35 9:59 10:49

This chart shows the response time analysis for the Orange County Fire Department.

Growing populations and urban sprawl in East Orlando have created demand

for new fire stations to ensure public safety within the community.

As a result, Director of Orange County Fire Rescue Services Otto Drozd highlighted the need for three more fire stations in Orange County at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting on March 24.

Drozd expressed concern about the increased demand for fire rescue service, as well as a concern due to insufficient revenue to support the addition of fire stations in the UCF/Avalon Park area.

The demand for public safety and fire rescue response is expected to increase by 2025, estimating 177,000 calls per year currently, and if population growth estimates are accurate, calls per year could approach 194,000.

The initiatives discussed at the meeting align with the commitment of Fire Rescue Services to provide public safety to the community.

To address this need, a study was performed by TriData, examining expected demand areas and total response times over the next 25 years, showing two key significant growth centers at south International Drive and the UCF/Research Park area.

Total response times are made up of call processing, turn out time, travel time and on incident time and while a 53 percent reduction has been made in call processing, there has been a noticeable (13 percent) increase in travel times due to urban sprawl, population growth and traffic.

“The only way we can impact that is by station placement.” says Drozd. “The goal is to look at current demand and future demand,” he adds.

Looking forward, “We are expecting an increase in county by 500,000 residents in the next 25 years,” says Drozd.

As of right now, the areas with highest population density and demand are Pine Hills, Goldenrod, UCF, Conway and Valencia College.

Director Drozd emphasizes that “This increase in demand will negatively impact response times especially in metropolitan areas.” Adding, “They say time is tissue so the longer we take, the more dangerous it is.”

To keep abreast of this issue, response times must be analyzed, which are looked at for metro, urban, suburban and rural areas based on industry best practices.

As a result, Drozd’s presentation proposed three new stations, 81, 65 , 67, which he says will increase response times by 27 seconds

and availability by 20 percent.

The new fire stations would be located at north Dean Road and Winder Trail, Avalon Park South Boulevard and south Goldenrod Road and Lake Underhill Road.

In his final plea, Drozd said, “While many times there is an option to do nothing, in this case, doing nothing would ensure a continued degradation of the service we are currently providing to our citizens.” He continues, “We don’t have the financial infrastructure in place to support the current stations with the budget resources we have.”

Beyond the three proposed fire stations for the immediate future, Drozd suggests adding three additional stations and relocating one

fire station between 2020 and 2025, totaling 49 fire stations after 2025.

County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson says, “Ensuring public safety is the most important role that government plays. With the growth we've seen in East Orange County over the last decade, it is critical that we find a way to build these stations now rather than sacrifice response times or wait for some future budget.”

“The County Commission will need to prioritize. I'm going to push for getting these stations into the next budget,” she adds.

“We have to continually monitor so we don’t get behind the growth that is happening in the county,” concludes Drozd.

East Orlando Needs More Fire Stations By Natalie Costa


About the Cover

Mathnasium Prepares Students for Math Excellence in East Orlando, And Beyond By Natalie Costa and Ashley White

Photos: PotShots Photography

• Promotional Feature •

Looking for More Information? Waterford Lakes 865 N Alafaya Trail Orlando, FL 32828 (407) 243-MATH (6284)

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Instant Insight

Mathnasium provides proprietary techniques to help K-12 students catch up, keep up and get ahead.

Mathnasium has twelve centers in Central Florida and two of them are in East Orlando in the Waterford Lakes and Lake Nona areas.

Mathnasium works with students using the Mathnasium Method™, which emphasizes “number sense”, an intuitive understanding of numbers, as the foundation to learning more advanced math.

After spending many nights ineffectively trying to help their child with his

Algebra homework, Steve and Sandy Massey sought math tutoring for their son. Ultimately, they chose Mathnasium, a math-only learning center.

When the Masseys first arrived at Mathnasium, they were concerned their son might not pass the Algebra End of Course (EOC) exam. Despite their concerns, their son’s confidence in math was boosted within the first few Mathnasium sessions.

“When he would get home from school, he would do a little homework and then he would come to me and say ‘hey Dad, I’m ready to go to [Mathnasium],’” says Steve.

The Masseys were so impressed with the Mathnasium Method,™ they talked with Mo Khalil, who owned four Mathnasiums in the Orlando area, about opening their own center. In 2013, they opened a center in Oviedo and took over the Lake Nona center in 2014.

“I’m very passionate about what I do. When I meet some of these students, they’re in tears,” says Steve, who previously worked for Lockheed Martin and Xerox for more than 20 years. “I have a profound impact on these students’ lives.”

Mathnasium, which has locations all over the U.S. including locations in Waterford Lakes and Lake Nona, provides proprietary techniques to help K-12 students catch up, keep up and get ahead. They begin by assessing each student’s math skills to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

From that assessment, students receive a customized learning plan. Sessions are then split between Mathnasium curriculum and a student’s homework to focus on strengthening their foundational skills.

“It’s a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to [students],” says Khalil.

“Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional Math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math.”

However, Mathnasium isn’t just for students looking to improve math skills.

Says Khalil, “For students who already excel in math, the sky’s the limit! They will expand their problem solving and critical thinking skills.”

Mathnasium works with students using the Mathnasium Method,™ which emphasizes

“number sense,” an intuitive understanding of numbers, as the foundation to learning more advanced math.

“We want our students to have a sense of what numbers mean, understand them well enough to perform mental math and use them in real life situations,” says Yilan Liu, who has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in pure mathematics and is the center director at the Waterford Lakes location

In addition to helping students gain exceptional math skills, Mathnasium also equips learners with a sense of confidence, which Khalil points out can be seen within the first few sessions.

He says, “Children who consistently attend our learning centers enjoy a transformative learning experience and make huge strides in the classroom. Multiple independent studies carried out by EyeCues Education Systems* since 2004 have found Mathnasium to improve student performance on standards-based tests in 20 sessions or fewer.”

Carmen Madison, a parent who has been sending her student to the Mathnasium in Waterford Lakes for more than three years, says, “Mathnasium has been amazing and my child has so much more confidence.”

The value a strong math education can provide extends beyond the walls of the classroom and can be a crucial skill in the workforce.

“For some parents and students who value and understand the importance of math on long-term career success, Mathnasium is a way of life,” Liu says.

To help emphasize the long-term importance of math, instructors are selectively chosen not only because of their math skills, but also because of their communication skills, friendliness, passion for teaching and a love for helping children.

“I like being able to work with students at different ages and help them overcome

the different obstacles that they have,” says Liu, who has been tutoring students from kindergarten to college for more than 18 years.

Each instructor is given a math literacy exam and observed teaching and interacting with children as part of the selection process. Once chosen, each instructor must become Mathnasium trained and certified and participate in ongoing trainings.

“It’s just less pressure on all of us because at Mathnasium, they’re going to know the answer and they’re going to know how to figure it out,” says Miguel Gonzalez who takes his third-grade daughter to the Lake Nona center. “It’s a peace of mind for the parent and the student.”

With increased community awareness about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, Mathnasium is a terrific partner with the community. Its presence in East Orlando is specifically beneficial due to its proximity to UCF and several STEM-centric employers like Lockheed Martin and Florida Hospital.

“The benefit of having a Mathnasium near you is the ability to know your children’s math skills are constantly improving. Parents trust that we love and value math education as much as they do,” says Steve.

Mathnasium has 12 centers in Central Florida and two of them are in East

Orlando in the Waterford Lakes and Lake Nona areas.

Students can begin learning any time of the year and summer-only programs are available to help children avoid the typical summer slide, by attending just a couple of hours a week. The first two introductory sessions are complimentary so parents are invited to bring their children to Mathnasium today to begin preparing for tomorrow.

Parents interested in improving their children's math aptitude can reach out to Nicole, the Lake Nona Center Director at (407) 203-3333, or Yilan, in Waterford Lakes at 407-243-6284. To learn more about the program, visit their website www.Mathnasium.com.

*Watson, John B., comp. "Report on the Effectiveness of Mathnasium Learning Center Teaching on Student Performance on Standards-based Mathematics Tests Report on 2012-2013 Student Testing Data.". www.Mathnasium.com. Watson Education, 1 Aug. 2013. Web. 31 Mar. 2015.

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From dribbling on the basketball court to putting on the golf course, East Orlando

is full of activities that will keep your child active and learning this summer.

For children who want to shoot hoops, the Orlando Magic is hosting a summer basketball camp. While there, campers will receive four days of activities which includes 32 hours of full basketball instruction. The instruction will come from former college players and college, high school and middle school coaches, as well as skill development trainers.

The camp will cover on-court practice of basketball fundamentals and will also feature

lectures about things like offensive motion and defensive principles. In addition to the on-court experience, campers are able to speak with members of the Orlando Magic organization.

“We try to get as many guest speakers from the Orlando Magic to come as possible, whether it be players or team personnel,” says Jack Lutzeier, regional director of the National Basketball Academy. “Everybody from Dwight Howard to JJ Reddick has been to camp. Most of the players, they try to do their best to make appearances.”

For children who prefer a day outdoors and on the links, Stoneybrook Golf Club, in

association with the Gusso Golf Academy, provides two different levels of summer instructional camps for children ages 5-17.

The U.S. Kids Golf program is a nationally-recognized, 10-week program that provides campers with instruction, hats and instructional booklets. Campers learn on-course skills like chipping and putting, as

well as things like golf rules and etiquette.

These camps, designed for golfers with less experience, average about fifteen kids per class. The regular camps teach much of the same things that the U.S. Kids Golf camps teach. In addition, those that attend regular camp will have a pizza party on the last day.

“We try to take that thing that golf has where everything has to be so serious and so quiet, and we kind of get rid of that, but at the same time we are respecting each other and the game,” says head golf instructor Justin Swearengin.

“The kids in [our program] have a lot more fun because we come up with different ways to keep them entertained,” says Swearengin.

The Youth Cheer Camp at UCF teaches students the basics of cheer, dance, stunts and tumbling for cheerleaders. Held at the UCF Education Complex, this camp is taught by UCF cheerleaders and American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) trained coaching staff. Every day awards are given to campers. This camp is designed for girls entering the first through

ninth grade in the fall of 2015. For more information, contact Linda Gooch at 407-823-2143.

Children who are interested in football and tearing up the gridiron can participate in the U.S. Sports Camp. The U.S Sports Camp is hosting a series of summer camps at the University of Central Florida for quarterbacks and wide receivers between the ages of 10 and 18.

The four day, non-contact camp will provide participants of all experience levels with about four hours of on-field exposure each day, along with classroom sessions designed to teach the fundamentals of the sport.

“It is not a recruiting camp, so it is really just working on those basic fundamentals,” says Renee Chapman, sports manager at U.S. Sports Camps.

Whether your child loves the serenity of the golf course, or the competitiveness of the football field, East Orlando has something for every child interested in athletics. The sports camps offered can help your child have a fun and active summer..

Play Ball! A Parent’s Guide to an Active Summer BreakBy Ryan DiPentima

“ The kids in [our program] have a lot more fun because we come up with different ways to keep them entertained.”


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Ballet shoes, dance shoes, theater costumes, music sheets and paint

brushes all have a place at different summer camps in East Orlando. For students who are looking to explore their artistic abilities this summer, there are many camps that can help them reach their full potential.

If a student has a flare for the dramatic, theater camp may be the right place for them to spend their summer. At Magic Curtain Productions, students ages four through eight and students from first to 12th grade can participate in weekly acting camps that start June 8 and run through August 10. Each week has a different focus and theme such as Frozen, Star Wars, mini-musical theater camp, Harry Potter and The Little Mermaid.

“We have a purpose for our program.” says

Theater Manager Rhonda Cato. “We really encourage the students to work together as a team. The arts encourage students to work as a team and they develop self-confidence.”

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m for children ages four to eight and costs $150 per week. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for first through 12th grades and costs $175 per week. There are early-drop off and late pick-up options.

At Dramatic Education, students not only experience theater, but work with art as they create their own set pieces, musical theater, dance and stagecraft. There are two summer enrichment programs, one for incoming kindergarten through sixth graders and another new program for incoming fifth through ninth graders.

The kindergarten through sixth grade campers will meet at Castle Creek Elementary School June 8 through June 25 and it costs $290 for the entire three weeks. The campers will work Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to prepare for Jungle Book Kids.

The middle school camp will take place from July 6 through July 23 at East River High School and will cost $320. The

campers will prepare for the Lion King Jr. meeting Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Students whose feet just can’t stop dancing to the beat can take their talents to the Youth Cheer Camp at UCF or to the Russian Ballet of Orlando.

At the Russian Ballet of Orlando, programs are offered for those ages 5 through 20. Ages 5 through 9 participate in a primary program, ages 10 through 14 a preparatory program and ages 15 through 20 a pre-professional program.

“Our summer program is designed to introduce young dancers to the many aspects of performing arts,” says Russian Ballet of Orlando Executive Director Katerina Fedotova.

While the preparatory program and pre-professional, students work all summer intensively training for a production of Don Quixote. The primary programs spend each week exploring a different theme including

a Russian theme, a Disney theme and an Up In Space theme. Students will learn different dance techniques, learn about cultural history, learn about food groups in lunch and complete arts and crafts that will be used as props in their end of the week performance.

The camps are held bi-weekly starting June 8 and run through July 27 and start at $175 a week. Programs are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with early drop-off and late pick-up options.

Whichever artistic endeavour a student would like to pursue, East Orlando has an opportunity for almost everyone.

Summer Camps Offer Budding Artists Place to ShineBy Ashley White

Students at Magic Curtain Productions’ camps learn about theater and performing.

PHOTO COURTESY MAGIC CURTAIN PRODUCTIONS

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Each week at Magic Curtain Productions’ camps focus on a different aspect of theater and have a different theme, such as Frozen


Students don’t have to be mad scientists to enjoy the various science camps offered

in East Orlando.

There are camps for those interested in biology, robots, science, engineering and more. These camps help instill science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in students.

The Orlando Science Center camps work to provide a safe, fun, nurturing environment while inspiring students to pursue science learning for life. This hands-on camp encourages problem solving and communications skills.

Each camp has its own theme where students learn different STEM techniques and skills. Themes include Jurassic Jr., the science of angry birds, and stop motion animation.

The camp starts at $200 per week for preschoolers and goes up to $420 per for grades seven through nine. Camps run from June 1 through August 14 with varying dates. An open house where parents can learn more about the camps will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 2 and again on May 30.

For students who are interested in robotics, ROBOTS-4-U offers week-long workshops that

teach the basics of STEM using robots as a hands-on tool.

“Our robotics camps offer programs integrating STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” says Chief Technology Officer Michael Hayes. ”We use robotics as a tool for them to learn.”

These workshops are for children ages seven to 17 where they will work with robots based on their level of knowledge about robots. Each student is provided a robot, computer and works with facilitators throughout the camp.

The camp runs various weeks from June 22 to August 17, Monday through Friday. The camp is $299.95 per week and students can enroll until the classes are filled.

Two summer camps are offered at UCF for students who have a passion for science. The Summer Institute at UCF offers camps in biology and computer science.The final applications are due May 22.

The computer science camp is held from July 6 to July 24 for students currently in grades eight through 11. This three-week program offers hands-on activities with individualized instruction that expose students to computer science. This camp also includes speakers,

field trips and special programs. The cost of this camp is $995 and includes tuition, books and the closing ceremony.

The biology camp is a one-week program from July 20 through July 24 for students entering grades 11 and 12. This camp teaches students about Central Florida’s ecosystem using field techniques and experimental approaches. This camp costs $400 and includes tuition, textbook, the closing ceremonies and an overnight trip to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.

“Because of the learning that takes place, students will leave the programs with a higher level of knowledge than when they entered,” says Executive Director of iSTEM Melissa Dagley. “Biology students will participate in field and lab work along with learning about sea turtles. Computer Science students participate in beginning to advanced classes including Game development through app development and learning Python and Java languages.”

UCF also offers Camp Connect for students in the eighth through 10th grades from

underrepresented communities which are women, Hispanics, African Americans, Latinos, American Indians and Alaskan natives. This camp introduces students to different disciplines of engineering including electrical, civil and environmental.

There are three advancing levels for the camp. The level one camp takes place on UCF’s campus from July 6 through July 10 and is $175. Applications for this camp are due by May 29.

Whether a student wants to learn about the ecosystem or robots, summer camps in East Orlando have a lot to offer students passionate about science.

Science Camps in East Orlando Prepare Students for STEM Careers By Ashley White

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What are the di� erent types of Skin Cancer?• Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers (It causes more than 75% of skin cancer deaths). One American dies of melanoma almost every hour. It is typically a dark mole that o� en contains various shades of brown or black, typically irregular in shape and with uneven borders.• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)is the most frequently occurring skin cancer. Tough they are generally easily treated, BCCs tend to keep growing if

untreated, and in rare cases can start to spread. � e signs to look for are an open sore, a shiny bump, a reddish or irritated patch or a white, yellow or waxy scar-like area.• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequently occurring skin cancer. Most are easily treated, but if not removed, some can metastasize and spread to distant tissues and organs, becoming life threatening.

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Three days out of the week, Brett Meade is not only the top-tier officer at the

second largest university in the nation and a PhD student, he’s Mr. Mom.

The 54-year-old deputy chief of the University of Central Florida Police Department and father of 8-year-old daughter Sadie, and 9-year-old son Jack, takes over while his wife, Donna, travels as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines.

Before the sun rises, Meade is ready for the day and tending to his children, two cats and two dogs. He takes the kids to school—conveniently located near the station—and spends the day handling the administrative side of the department. Then he picks up the kids and dinner, and after they eat, all three of them do their homework. After the kids’ bath and bedtime, Meade hits the books again, commandeering the family’s kitchen table with his computer and books. At times, he’s even helping extinguish department fires through the night and weekend—such as the recent bomb threat at the university.

Commenting on the ease with which Meade deals with people, even when he’s loaded with work, Meade’s counterpart at the UCFPD, Deputy Chief Carl Metzger, said,

“He knows that people are what matter.”

On April 8, Meade heard that his dissertation was approved, which means that by May, he’ll have his doctorate in organizational leadership from North Central University based in Arizona—something he’s been working toward for six years.

“There’s a big bottle of champagne I’m gonna pop,” he said.

But the biggest celebration will be for Meade to be able to work more so Donna can be home with the kids.

“For Brett, family comes first,” said Orange County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Gil McDaniel, who started at OCSO with Meade in 1990. Meade spent 24 years at OCSO—the last two as Commander of east Orange County before retiring last year. McDaniel has been Meade’s best friend since the seventh grade in their hometown of Deland.

Meade’s family is not just defined by blood. McDaniel said he can call Brett anytime he’s in need and vice versa. Last year, when Donna injured her back and needed Meade in the ambulance with her, “Uncle Gil” rushed over and babysat until 2 a.m. when the couple returned home.

“The difference is, we would do that for each other but Brett would do that for a stranger,”

he said. “I know it’s hard for the average person to understand, but he lives to serve. It’s what he always wanted to do.”

Emily Lacy, Homeowner’s Association president for Regency Park located near UCF, said she knows Brett would do anything to keep her and her neighbors safe.

“I could call any time and he always made it seem very important. He always said, ‘I have you on speed dial, if you ever need me, you call me and I’ll be there for you,’” she said, adding that because of this relationship, they were able to expel some serious issues from her neighborhood, including drug use and vandalism in communal areas. “There aren’t many sheriff’s captains who will give you their personal number.”

It’s his passion for the community and family that led him to the UCFPD. There, officers enjoy a bit more discretion than traditional law enforcement, looking closely at the person and the situation, when possible.

“We are dealing with college kids. I had the Harley Davidson and the Jet Ski in the garage in my 20’s and 30’s but all my friends who are my age have kids who are grown. All of us want our kids to grow up to be productive citizens,” Meade said.

Meade also looks at the students he’s sworn to protect at UCF as children who have mothers and fathers out there who are entrusting him with their safety.

“I think he’s a father first. Brett can be very tough, but he can also be very kind and very gentle,” Lacy said. “You want them [law enforcement] to be the tough guy but you want them to have feelings still.”

“It’s natural for Brett to treat others like family,” McDaniel said. “I think Brett feels that he has two young kids who have to grow up in this community and he wants it to be a safe environment for everyone. He wants to clear a way for them. And now UCF fits him perfectly.”

By Megan Stokes

Brett Meade and his wife, Donna took their two children on a 10-day trip to Italy and

Ireland last summer. They are photographed in Tuscany. “We do virtually everything together,”

Meade said of his family.

Family Enforcement: Local Cop Betters Himself, Community


Each year in Florida, hundreds of

people are needlessly injured or

killed in bicycle collisions. Some of

these accidents are a result of the cyclist’s

behavior while others occur due to a lapse

in attention from the motorist. Regardless,

when sharing the road with one another it’s

imperative that safety be observed first and

foremost. Below are several tips to help both

cyclists and motorists share the roadways

of East Orlando while getting to their

destination safely.

Tips for Cyclists

Cyclists on public roadways are subject

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important that you remember to obey

all traffic laws as if you were a passenger

vehicle.

Maintain Control of Your BikeThis may seem like an easy

one, but some accidents

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control of their bicycle. When on the

road, be sure to keep both hands on the

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is the proper size for your body as well so

it will be easier to control and cause less

fatigue. It’s also recommended that you

routinely check your bicycle to make sure

it’s in good working order before heading

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when turning (to turn left extend your

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Sharing the Road: Tips for Cyclists and MotoristBy Corey Gehrold

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Tips for Motorists

As cycling continues to gain popularity, it’s inevitable that you’ll find yourself sharing a congested roadway with one or more cyclists at some point. It’s important to remember that cyclists are allowed to share the road and they should be treated with respect and caution, just like a passenger vehicle.

Think of Bikes As CarsSince they legally share the same responsibilities, treat each bicycle as a passenger car and give them the appropriate right-of-way and the same consideration you’d give to another driver. Better yet, think of them as cars without the safety features. There are no airbags, crumple zones or seat belts so you should be extra cautious, especially when approaching child cyclists.

Take Your TimeWhen you are coming up on a cyclist, approach with caution and slow down a bit. They may be hearing ambient road and vehicle noise and not know you are next to them. This also lets drivers behind you know there is a reason to slow down ahead. You should also allow extra space when passing cyclists and leave at least three or four feet between your vehicle and the cyclist when passing. At stop signs be sure to look right, left and then right again to double check for cyclists.

With these simple tips the roadways of East Orlando can be a lot safer for both cyclists and motorists.

Sharing the Road: Tips for Cyclists and Motorist


“We have a private security system.” Pat

Community CommentsThis month we took our camera into the community and asked your neighbors,

"How do you keep your home safe?"

Have a comment you’d like to share with us? Check out our Facebook page and let us know what you

do to keep your home safe.

“We have our two dogs and keep all of the doors and windows locked.”Debbie

“We have home security, a dog and a ladder upstairs incase of a fire.” Dorothy

“We have our neighbors always watching out for us.” Nancy

“We lock our doors.” Erik

Visit us on Facebook and leave a comment to let us know what you do to keep your home safe.

Join the conversation:

Photos and quotes courtesy of Ryan DiPentima.

“The second amendment.” Ken

“Our family has invested in impact windows and a home alarm system.” Kelly

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An Orange County police helicopter made an appearance the day of the Run For The Angels 5K.

East Orlando resident Kathleen Tenney joins East Orlando photographer Mark Bernhardt at Florida Hospital Altamonte Springs at the March 17, 2015 Creation Health exhibition at the Art of Healing Gallery. Mark's photo of Kathleen's children, "Safe and Secure" taken in 2006 was featured in the gallery. Mark was one of eight 'Featured Artists.' Run For The Angels 5K event staff and

volunteers stop to admire the breathtaking sunrise that followed the total lunar eclipse.

Brandon Roush was the first place finisher in the Run For The Angels 5K with a time of 18:21.

The world's largest street legal 4 X 4 truck, built, owned and driven by Glenn Harris of Orlando, frequently appears at Angel Flight events. Glenn says, "Build it better, bigger, in America!"

Crash 6, the "Mac-Daddy" of crash trucks with 3,000 gallons of water capacity was on display at the Run For The Angels 5K. Here, it demonstrates its immense fire-fighting capabilities. This emergency vehicle was recently acquired by Orlando International Airport.

Angel Flight Southeast conducts its fifth "Run For The Angels 5K" on Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Orlando Executive Airport. Angel Flight is a 501(c)(3) organization of more than 650 volunteer pilots.

Community Photos Submit Photos and See Full Event Gallerieson InsightEastOrlando.comCheck out some great photos from East and Southeast Orlando. Want to see more and stay connected to your community? Visit www.InsightEastOrlando.com today! All photos courtesy of PotShots Photography unless otherwise noted.

Twelve year-old Taylor "Boom-Boom" Siefert warms up for the Run For The Angels 5K at the front of the pack.


On Saturday, March 25, 2015, the Avalon Park Foundation sponsored Kite Day. It featured lots of different kites, kites for sale, kite building activities, fun and learning.

Kite building instruction and flight activities start with basic kite kits for kids and parents. Students of the kite teams learn that kites are heavier-than-air objects (tethered wings) that fly like airplanes and are governed by air in motion. That day, the winds were relatively calm, which made kite flying difficult. Russ Mozier of Central Florida Kite Club shared a pearl of wisdom with me: "If you have to run with your kite to get it airborn, it's best to wait for a windier day!" (centralfloridakiteclub.org)

Drainage ponds, bridge culverts and big storm water culverts that cross SR 50 are being reconstructed.

Progress on the widening and reconstruction of SR 50 from four to six lanes is clearly evident between Dean and Rouse roads where the boundaries of the new highway are clearly defined and visible. This is the beginning of the above ground (surface) road construction. In this image you are facing east towards Alafaya Trail.

The start of our summer pattern weather was loud and clear with the arrival of a violent thunderstorm on April 12 at 7:00 p.m. Loud thunder, intense cloud-to-ground lightning and periods of heavy downpours are part and parcel of Florida's humid, subtropical summer weather.

More experienced kite fliers demonstrate their building and flying skills with more complex fliers.

Mountains of gray corrugated plastic pipe can be seen on the south side of SR 50 as you proceed east after crossing Alafaya Trail. This pipe is for storm water run off and is in addition to the the black and green plastic pipe that's for water and sewer. Installation of these pipes is part of the underground construction phase.

For two hours mid-afternoon Sunday, April 12, traffic was bedlam on Alafaya Trail between SR 50 and Lake Underhill Road as drivers were forced to run a gauntlet without traffic lights due to a major power outage.

Duke Energy sent four fix-it trucks to repair

the outage which lasted about two hours.


Insight on Education

For many families, kindergarten is the first formal school setting a child

experiences. Starting school is a joyous occasion but can also be a time of anxiety and confusion. Although the expectations of kindergarten have changed over time, what’s needed to build a strong foundation for success in school has not. Parents can play an active role in preparing their children by remembering the 3 R’s: Relationship, Routine, and Responsibility. These are necessary to prime the brain for success in the traditional three R’s,

“Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic” and to

create habits for lifelong learning.

1. Relationship

Research supports the importance of

children building social and emotional

skills in relation to academic learning.

Creating and sustaining healthy

relationships with others builds healthy

self esteem. When children feel good

about themselves, they learn better and

learn more. Make sure to include time

in each day to talk and interact with

your child. Some families use this time

to sing silly songs together, take a walk,

play a game or just talk about the day.

When you spend time connecting with

your child in playful ways, you actually

create neural connections in the brain

that are used for academic skills. Just

five minutes of focused play a day can

help build self-esteem and a cooperative

attitude in your child.

2. Routine The brain seeks patterns and functions

optimally when it feels safe. Planning

and sustaining routines is important in

creating an environment where children

know what to expect and when to

expect it. Predictability and consistency

strengthen the neural connections

needed for learning. When your child

feels safe, he or she can get organized

to be fully prepared for each activity.

Establish simple routines for bedtime,

waking up, eating meals etc. Encourage

healthy habits as part of the routines.

Use drawings, photographs or clip art to

visually represent the routines. Children

think in images and using visuals helps

them to recognize their part in a routine.

3. ResponsibilityProvide opportunities for your child to be

responsible for school day information.

Talk about a specific event that happened

that day. You may ask a child to tell you the

hardest part of the day or the funniest part

of the day. Read books about school. Also,

share your pictures from kindergarten days

or elementary grades. If possible, tour the

school and meet the teacher and other staff

members before that very first day in August.

Let your child know you have responsibility

in the education process too.

Orange County Public Schools with be

hosting Kindergarten Roundup events in

the month of May. Children who are 5

years old on or before Sept. 1, 2015, can

start kindergarten in August 2015. No

matter what school district your child

attends, kindergarten serves a great part in

preparing a student for future educational

success.

The 3 R’s of School ReadinessBy Early Childhood Development, Orange County Public Schools

Visit www.OCPS.net for more information.

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Healthy Living

N ot fully understanding what I’d

gotten myself into, I took a baby

step and signed up for six weeks with

Lake Nona Boot Camp. A few days later

I stood in line with a slew of slim and

trim young people to get weighed and

measured. Lauren, our fearless leader was

upbeat and encouraging. But I already

felt I was in over my head.

On the first day, a handsome young man

took me aside for an “assessment.” He was

kind as I struggled to hold my overweight

body in a plank. I felt my shoulders

would explode as I attempted to pump

out a few push-ups. As his stopwatch

ticked off a minute, I attempted to do as

many squats as possible. Sweat dripped

down my forehead as he wrote my measly

accomplishments on a sheet of paper.

Finally, I joined the rest of the group for

the remainder of the work out. All the

while thinking, I might as well just give

up. At 58 years old, my life is over. The

best I can do is park myself in a chair and

wait to die.

At the end of the workout, the instructor

congratulated us on our performance. All

the way home, I swallowed hard to keep

the vomit from entering my mouth. My

face burned.

As soon as I opened my door, I ran for the

bathroom and emptied my stomach. As I

washed my hands, I stared at my flaming

red face and stringy, soaking wet hair.

Then I sat in a chair and cried.

After a few minutes, I dried my tears

and filled a couple ziplock bags with ice.

Balancing them on my aching knees, I

thought, what could it hurt? It’s only an

hour twice a week for six weeks. I’ll just

do what I can.

Two days later, I unrolled my mat and

took my place with the other campers. A

young girl, a third my age, turned and

said, “We all took bets you wouldn’t come

back.”

“Oh honey,” I responded. “I can do

anything for an hour."

But I seriously had my doubts.

Then, I did it all over again. Even the

throwing up, crying, and icing part.

For the next year, a lot of ice melted over

my knees as I gained strength. Then one

day, I ran a whole mile. And when I came

across that finish line, it felt like I’d just

won the Boston Marathon.

Sometimes, victories are bigger than they

appear.

Now when the instructor assigns

us 100 squats, I think – piece of

cake. And to that first mile run, I’ve

added two 5K’s and I’m signed up for two

more.

But the biggest win is inside of me. It’s

knowing I can still face new challenges

that not only test the boundaries of my

body, but my soul as well.

Because all determination starts between

our ears. Before our feet ever hit the

pavement, our minds must decide to go.

So what are your challenges today?

What’s the baby step you need to take?

Do You Bootcamp?

By Ellen Gee

TM

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Insight Magazine - May 2015