Opinion

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has a dire need — land on which to build its homes. It seeks land with clear title, including single infill lots, as well as acreage located outside flood hazard areas that can support housing communities. PHOTO/HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER ORLANDO & OSCEOLA COUNTY

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has a dire need — land on which to build its homes. It seeks land with clear title, including single infill lots, as well as acreage located outside flood hazard areas that can support housing communities. PHOTO/HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER ORLANDO & OSCEOLA COUNTY

Habitat for Humanity needs land for affordable homes

As the need for safe, affordable housing continues to grow, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has a dire need — land on which to build its homes. The affordable-housing crisis has had a significant impact on Central Florida, like many other parts of the United States.
Letters to the Editor — March 2, 2023

Letters to the Editor — March 2, 2023

Letters to the Editor — Poinciana Parkway, egg consumption concerns

Save Poinciana and Cypress Parkway from expressway Will Poinciana become another Parramore, or another Winter Park? In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Interstate Highway System Act, and a year later Florida started the construction of Interstate 4 from Daytona Beach to Tampa.
Guest columnist Stan Popovich says people who are stressed out by their life events should make it a priority to get help and take care of their mental health as a new year’s resolution.

Guest columnist Stan Popovich says people who are stressed out by their life events should make it a priority to get help and take care of their mental health as a new year’s resolution.

Focus on mental health as a New Year’s Resolution

People who are stressed out by their life events should make it a priority to get help and take care of their mental health as a new year’s resolution. Getting professional help for dealing with your persistent fears and anxieties is the single most important step in managing your mental health.
Jill Pertler — Slices of Life

Jill Pertler — Slices of Life

Happy New Year, happy today

The new year — January as a month — is a time for reflection. To assess our progress in life: where we were, where we are and where we are going. I’ve learned, in a hard way, that where I was — the past — and where I’m going — the future — don’t hold much mettle. The place to be is here, right now.
In September, with your help, AroundOsceola.com reached the plateau of 100,000 hits for the first time.

In September, with your help, AroundOsceola.com reached the plateau of 100,000 hits for the first time.

My 2023 wish to our readers

I want to thank you for reading this content that is part of 2023’s first Osceola News-Gazette edition. 2022 flew by and blew through – like a hurricane. (Yeah, I get it, still not funny.) And, here we are, rummaging around to find a new wall calendar. I’ve long thought we mark time in odd ways.
Rev. Mary Downey, President/CEO of Hope Partnership, which works side-by-side with local partners to end homelessness in Osceola County.

Rev. Mary Downey, President/CEO of Hope Partnership, which works side-by-side with local partners to end homelessness in Osceola County.

A Moment with Mary - Advent reflections

In my tradition, this time at the end of the year is called Advent. It’s a season when we anticipate the moment when God will move into our neighborhood. In my home, we light candles in our Advent wreath for hope, peace, joy, and love.
Dr. Lucretia Starnes talks about how to make change in the new year — without necessarily "making a resolution."

Dr. Lucretia Starnes talks about how to make change in the new year — without necessarily "making a resolution."

Year End reflections, resolutions and affirmations

Did you know that the goal-driven tradition of setting New Year’s Resolutions occurred in different forms throughout history? The ancient Babylonians celebrated the New Year with the festival of Akitu. During this 12day festival a new king was crowned, and affirmations of loyalty were declared.
Melinda Burrell is vice-chair of the National Association for Community Mediation, which offers resources for community approaches to difficult issues.

Melinda Burrell is vice-chair of the National Association for Community Mediation, which offers resources for community approaches to difficult issues.

You had me healthy at hello: How holiday cheer benefits all of us

Eight of us lounged around the table, candlelight flickering on crumpled napkins and cracker crumbs. It was the tail end of our yearly holiday party for our neighbors, and our guests – ranging from 30-somethings to 60-somethings – seemed reluctant to leave. Nor did we want them to.
Christmas serves as a natural marker in our lives. We assess our experiences since last Christmas. We note the lives we’ve touched or who have touched ours.

Christmas serves as a natural marker in our lives. We assess our experiences since last Christmas. We note the lives we’ve touched or who have touched ours.

A Christmas Blessing 2022

Some might look at that title and think, “That’s a little presumptuous of him to think he can offer a Christmas blessing.” A few others might say, “Good! I can use any blessing I can possibly get this year.
The author notes he's become a bit of a snob when evaluating those of others–to the point that he's come up with the following categories.

The author notes he's become a bit of a snob when evaluating those of others–to the point that he's come up with the following categories.

Christmas Lights: A Judgmental Guide

One of my fondest childhood memories of Christmas in the 1970’s was riding around in the family station wagon, “Bessie,” to look at Christmas lights while I whined to my parents about needing a snack – again.