Columns

We’re all on the same path

If you’re not one already, there’s no getting out of it. Every single one of us is on the road to becoming a senior citizen. The thought of it used to scare me — the idea that I would be “old.” And yet, what used to seem so far away is quickly creeping around the bend. But it doesn’t scare […]

art installation of crocheted plastic bags

Happy anniversary, OMA!

I do love art — even art I don’t quite understand; I find it intriguing. And we have so many opportunities to experience, explore and enjoy art right here. 2024 is a special year — the 100th anniversary of our beautiful Orlando Museum of Art! It is truly a celebratory year for OMA. Multiple exhibitions will focus on OMA’s various […]

an empty lot being built upon

Urban infill helps fill in the gaps

  Have you ever walked past that empty lot — we all know one — and wondered when somebody is going to build something there? The process of building on those empty lots is called “urban infill.” What is urban infill? According to Florida state statute, it is partly defined as “the development of vacant parcels in otherwise built-up areas […]

Readers extend our mission

One of the most gratifying things about publishing this paper is when we hear about one of our stories touching readers enough that they take action. Knowing our work has made a difference for a nonprofit or simply one person trying to do good means the world to us. Last month’s cover story about Orlando native Gylla Matos Flores starting […]

a green street block

Gray is green: How living downtown is better for the environment

  Congratulations! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you live in one of the old neighborhoods of downtown Orlando and are contributing to the sustainability of Central Florida’s environment. Why is living downtown better for the environment? Because by living in higher-density, compact neighborhoods, you’re helping prevent suburban sprawl that eats up valuable farmland or precious natural areas […]

The View from Here: Let’s get growing

January was a bit dreary, but also sunny and not too hot, with some lovely wet weather — just perfect for gardening — and February promises more of the same. Having already experienced in my long life the “garden joys” of aching muscles, jungle-like weeds, wrecked fingernails and waaaay too much eggplant for one family, I have recently been won […]

The View from Here: Something new is waiting

Not just a new pair of shoes, a new prescription, or even a new hobby, but a whole new intentional year is ahead of us.

Typical questions for the New Year — who? what? how? when? — seem almost fretful. This year, I want to ask deeper questions: How can I fully engage in and appreciate this new year? Being present, living each moment fully instead of worrying about the next thing, and being more aware of now — these are all phrases we hear […]

three ladies

Combatting loneliness: Getting to know your neighbors in ‘Blue Zones’ is good for your health

Were you one of those folks who initially loved the social isolation of the pandemic, but then found yourself missing the interaction with coworkers, friends and family? You are not alone, although, unfortunately, many Americans still feel alone, as a spate of recent research has shown. The U.S. surgeon general recently issued an advisory on “the Healing Effects of Social […]

What you need to know before you buy a golf cart

When my parents decided they’d aged out of Florida and wanted to move from the sunny, gated happiness that is Margaritaville back to the frigid Northeast after just one year of living here, I choked out two sentences: “It took me 20 years to get you to move here — please don’t go!” and “Can I have your golf cart?” […]

Updates and new content in 2024

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season and is geared up for a fresh start in 2024. You may have noticed that we’ve made some changes regarding home delivery of The Community Paper and moved to a subscription model. This shift comes for a few reasons: Some prefer the digital experience of our e-edition, while others […]


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