ReportWire

Tag: OUC

  • Orlando half-marathon welcomes inspiring athletes with disabilities

    The 49th annual OUC Orlando Half Marathon is set to take place on Dec. 6 at Lake Eola, welcoming more than 5,000 participants to its inclusive event. Chris Nikic, a Special Olympics Florida athlete who made history in 2020 as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, is preparing to run the hometown half-marathon for the first time.”To blow past everyone,” Nikic said. “I have been doing half-marathons, which is pretty cool, and the crowd.” He is also proud to be a leader in recruiting athletes to participate, saying, “I am the top leader in recruiting athletes to come out and participate.”Chris’s father, Nik Nikic, shared insights into his son’s training regimen, noting, “Noah and his friends are helping him train by running at a faster pace for him. And teaching him what it feels like to run at, say, an eight-minute pace versus a 10- or 12-minute pace.” Nik also praised the event, saying, “OUC is wonderful, especially with track shack being part of it,” and emphasized the importance of the marathon, stating, “I think this is a great opportunity. For us to be an example for the rest of the world, and Central Florida and Orlando is a hub for all these things anyway.”Another inspiring participant is Caleb Prewitt, who, along with his mother Karen, will be traveling from Jacksonville to run the OUC half-marathon and the 5K. Caleb has completed 127 races, and they enjoy running together while raising community awareness and promoting inclusion. Karen expressed their passion for the sport, saying, “Do we love running? Yes. We love running — we love racing — we do triathlons as well, so we are kind of crazy.”She highlighted the importance of inclusion, stating, “For him to be included – for people to see him out running – to see what people with Down syndrome and other disabilities can do.”Caleb shared his favorite aspect of running.”So, running with mom,” Caleb said. “We usually run together. I think it’s just the community — we are part of a number of running groups. We just have a lot of fun with it.”Chris and Caleb are among the many remarkable runners to cheer for during the OUC weekend in downtown Orlando.

    ORLANDO, Fla. —

    The 49th annual OUC Orlando Half Marathon is set to take place on Dec. 6 at Lake Eola, welcoming more than 5,000 participants to its inclusive event.

    Chris Nikic, a Special Olympics Florida athlete who made history in 2020 as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, is preparing to run the hometown half-marathon for the first time.

    “To blow past everyone,” Nikic said. “I have been doing half-marathons, which is pretty cool, and the crowd.”

    He is also proud to be a leader in recruiting athletes to participate, saying, “I am the top leader in recruiting athletes to come out and participate.”

    Chris’s father, Nik Nikic, shared insights into his son’s training regimen, noting, “Noah and his friends are helping him train by running at a faster pace for him. And teaching him what it feels like to run at, say, an eight-minute pace versus a 10- or 12-minute pace.”

    Nik also praised the event, saying, “OUC is wonderful, especially with track shack being part of it,” and emphasized the importance of the marathon, stating, “I think this is a great opportunity. For us to be an example for the rest of the world, and Central Florida and Orlando is a hub for all these things anyway.”

    Another inspiring participant is Caleb Prewitt, who, along with his mother Karen, will be traveling from Jacksonville to run the OUC half-marathon and the 5K.

    Caleb has completed 127 races, and they enjoy running together while raising community awareness and promoting inclusion.

    Karen expressed their passion for the sport, saying, “Do we love running? Yes. We love running — we love racing — we do triathlons as well, so we are kind of crazy.”

    She highlighted the importance of inclusion, stating, “For him to be included – for people to see him out running – to see what people with Down syndrome and other disabilities can do.”

    Caleb shared his favorite aspect of running.

    “So, running with mom,” Caleb said. “We usually run together. I think it’s just the community — we are part of a number of running groups. We just have a lot of fun with it.”

    Chris and Caleb are among the many remarkable runners to cheer for during the OUC weekend in downtown Orlando.

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  • Runners test cross-training theory to prepare for marathons

    Orangetheory classes in Orlando are helping runners prepare for marathons by offering a comprehensive workout that combines running, rowing, and strength training to boost endurance and prevent injuries.Inside the class, the focus is on heart rate, hustle, and sweat, providing a full-body workout that benefits runners of all levels.”It’s really a full-body workout, which is great. You’re getting everything,” Orangetheory Coach Danielle Sisco said.”We break it all down and we’re really just trying to build a stronger body, build up your metabolism and have you leaving feeling fantastic, ” Orangetheory Fitness Coach Thomas Stoakes said. The workout split at Orangetheory includes running, rowing, and strength training, designed to enhance endurance, build strength, and prevent injuries.”One thing I’ve learned: runners love running, lifters love lifting. We do it all here. But those that just hone in on running tend to be more injury-prone. That durability you build on the weight floor goes miles out on the course,” Stoakes said. Stoakes, gearing up for his fifth full marathon, and Sisco, training for her first half-marathon, are among those benefiting from the balanced approach.”I feel like having been focused on lifting legs and getting my legs stronger and then strength training as a whole… It’s made me a stronger runner. I didn’t realize that I could be faster from lifting, but I do feel like that’s what happened for me,” Sisco said.The misconception that one must choose between strength training and running is dispelled in these classes, where cross-training in the Orange Room enhances every mile on the road.”My basis at Orangetheory, I wasn’t sure how great I was going to be running outside because I mostly ran here, but it’s translated so well. My training in here has really helped me with my training outside,” Sisco said.Every rep and stride in the class brings runners one step closer to their finish line, demonstrating the power of cross-training in marathon preparation.

    WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. —

    Orangetheory classes in Orlando are helping runners prepare for marathons by offering a comprehensive workout that combines running, rowing, and strength training to boost endurance and prevent injuries.

    Inside the class, the focus is on heart rate, hustle, and sweat, providing a full-body workout that benefits runners of all levels.

    “It’s really a full-body workout, which is great. You’re getting everything,” Orangetheory Coach Danielle Sisco said.

    “We break it all down and we’re really just trying to build a stronger body, build up your metabolism and have you leaving feeling fantastic, ” Orangetheory Fitness Coach Thomas Stoakes said.

    The workout split at Orangetheory includes running, rowing, and strength training, designed to enhance endurance, build strength, and prevent injuries.

    “One thing I’ve learned: runners love running, lifters love lifting. We do it all here. But those that just hone in on running tend to be more injury-prone. That durability you build on the weight floor goes miles out on the course,” Stoakes said.

    Stoakes, gearing up for his fifth full marathon, and Sisco, training for her first half-marathon, are among those benefiting from the balanced approach.

    “I feel like having been focused on lifting legs and getting my legs stronger and then strength training as a whole… It’s made me a stronger runner. I didn’t realize that I could be faster from lifting, but I do feel like that’s what happened for me,” Sisco said.

    The misconception that one must choose between strength training and running is dispelled in these classes, where cross-training in the Orange Room enhances every mile on the road.

    “My basis at Orangetheory, I wasn’t sure how great I was going to be running outside because I mostly ran here, but it’s translated so well. My training in here has really helped me with my training outside,” Sisco said.

    Every rep and stride in the class brings runners one step closer to their finish line, demonstrating the power of cross-training in marathon preparation.

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  • 4Roots Opens Education Center on Farm Campus

    4Roots Opens Education Center on Farm Campus

    The much-anticipated 4Roots Farm Campus opened the doors to its Education Center in Orlando to Valencia College students studying Plant Science and Agricultural Technology.

    The Education Center, the centerpiece of the first phase of the Farm Campus which includes a greenhouse and a walkable edible food forest, will serve as the “living classroom” for the Valencia students enrolled in Intro to Sustainable Agriculture.

    “From the very beginning, our vision for the Farm Campus focused on education,” explained John Rivers, President & CEO, 4Roots. “We want to teach people about the importance of healthy food, farmers about growing technologies that can enhance their crops, and students about the many careers that revolve around the agriculture industry,” he continued. “These students will be surrounded by some of the most advanced technologies in the world. I hope it inspires them to pursue a career in this exciting industry.”

    The students studying Sustainable Agriculture will be collecting data on parameters relating to soil health, followed by growing various crops throughout the semester.

    “The partnership between Valencia and 4Roots is providing cutting-edge opportunities for students to learn through working in a hands-on professional environment at one of the most high-tech and modern sustainable community farming facilities in the country,” said Dr. Lisa Macon, Launch Director, School of Engineering, Technology & Advanced Manufacturing, Valencia College. “Being able to take classes in a Learning Building Challenge building on site, such as the Education Center is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to experience a truly sustainable learning environment. Not only are students benefiting from the experience, but Valencia is also able to attract more students to these unique learning experiences that are in high demand by today’s socially conscious higher-ed learners,” she concluded.

    The 4Roots Education Building is the first building constructed in the state of Florida that meets the “Living Building Challenge” criteria, constructed to put more energy back into natural resources than it takes out. The building is energy and water net positive and will generate a minimum of 5% energy to be filtered through the Farm Campus or distributed through the OUC microgrid. The Education Building is also a great example to the students of how sustainability is not just how crops are grown, but something else to be considered along with various other aspects of any project.

    “This state of the art facility, including the greenhouse, classroom and permaculture area will enhance Valencia students’ experience by providing an array of diverse agricultural models on a larger scale than previously available,” said Dr. Javier A. Garcés, Professor & Program Chair, Plant Science & Agricultural Technology Program at Valencia College.

    The 4Roots Farm Campus, located in The Packing District, is in the heart of Orlando’s emerging neighborhood.

    It invites the community to gather and collaborate on the creation of a robust local food system. With a diverse range of growing systems, it offers a unique hands-on learning experience that highlights innovative and sustainable practices and technologies from around the world.

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  • ‘Our nation’s capital should be able to do better than this’: DC lawmakers on city’s 911 outages – WTOP News

    ‘Our nation’s capital should be able to do better than this’: DC lawmakers on city’s 911 outages – WTOP News

    There’s been growing frustration with 911 outages at D.C.’s Office of Unified Communications, the agency that handles emergency calls in the city. Now, several D.C. lawmakers have called the response to a string of outages unacceptable.

    There’s been growing frustration with 911 outages at D.C.’s Office of Unified Communications, the agency that handles emergency calls in the city.

    In the same week OUC director Heather McGaffin announced $800 bonuses for OUC staffers who show up for every shift in August, several D.C. lawmakers have called the response to a string of outages unacceptable.

    “The District of Columbia, our nation’s capital, should be able to do better than this,” D.C. Council member Brianne Nadeau told WTOP on Friday.

    “There are very hardworking people at the 911 call center. Their jobs are incredibly difficult,” she added. But she called the outages “a perfect storm of government incompetence.”

    The creation of a pilot program to offer the $800 bonuses underscores an issue that Nadeau said deserves more attention.

    “I don’t think we pay them enough,” she said of call takers and dispatchers. “I don’t know that we are supporting them enough. I hope the bonuses help. But at the end of the day, this is not a new problem.”

    In a statement sent to WTOP, Council member Brooke Pinto, chair of the Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, wrote she is “exploring additional options for the upcoming fall legislative session to ensure we are appropriately compensating our first responders for their essential work.”

    Pinto also said she would look into “legislative interventions” to improve 911 service and “greater transparency and reporting when errors do occur.”

    Last year, Nadeau introduced a bill to return 911 calls to D.C. Fire and EMS, “so that we know the people who are answering the phones are medically trained and can get the people that need to be there to respond.”

    Nadeau said there is a lack of urgency to address what she called a long-standing issue. When asked if the D.C. Council could be seen as playing a role in that lack of urgency, Nadeau said, “I think that’s a fair question. I feel a great sense of urgency and I really do hope that my bill gets a hearing so that we can have this conversation.”

    On Tuesday, Anna Noakes, OUC public information officer, wrote in a statement to WTOP, “We have a busy, demanding system that requires that we regularly evaluate staffing levels to ensure we can always answer the call in a timely fashion while also being mindful of the well-being of our dedicated staff.”

    Referring to the most recent outages on Aug. 2 and Aug. 9, David Hoagland, president of the union that represents D.C.’s firefighters, wrote in a statement, “IAFF Local 36 is steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with city leaders to implement sustainable reforms that will strengthen our 911 system.”

    Regarding the Aug. 9 outage, Hoagland’s statement said, “Despite the obstacles thrown at us during the system breakdown, I’m proud of all of the firefighters on duty and our members working in the fire operation center who demonstrated exceptional professionalism.”

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    Kate Ryan

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  • Milk District businesses ask for support during road construction expected until January 2025

    Milk District businesses ask for support during road construction expected until January 2025

    click to enlarge

    Photo by Chloe Greenberg

    Milk District businesses ask for support following Robinson road closures

    Due to a city construction project, businesses along a section of Robinson Street in the Milk District are bracing for protracted road closures and asking for community support.

    On Monday, the Orlando Utilities Commission began installing a new underground electric transmission line along Robinson Street from North Fern Creek Avenue to North Crystal Lake Drive. The project will see street blockages for at least the next three weeks on this usually bustling stirip, OUC says, followed by months of construction through January 2025.

    Storefronts and businesses operating along the several blocks of construction include Etoile Boutique, Bull and Bush, Hair Godz, Minuteman Press, Rugged Perspective, Gringos Locos, Sportstown Billiards, Stay Still Studio and The Nook on Robinson.

    In a press release, OUC says the construction may obstruct access to some businesses for brief periods, but access to parking lots will not be affected. Most of the construction is expected to occur during normal working hours, Monday through Saturday.

    The work will include excavation and installation of new manholes along the street. Once these manholes are installed, OUC anticipates keeping one lane of Robinson Street open in at least one direction, according to the project plan.

    Etoile Boutique owner Falon Quillen took to social media to express concern over the construction’s effect on the local businesses.

    Staff at Etoile sound the alarm over the impacts of construction on Robinson - Photo via Etoile Boutique/Facebook

    Photo via Etoile Boutique/Facebook

    Staff at Etoile sound the alarm over the impacts of construction on Robinson

    “After the brutal profit losses our friends in @ivanhoevillage and @sododistrict faced from their recent road closures, detours and limited parking access, you can imagine how fearful we are as business owners, preparing to face such similar unforeseen circumstances,” Quillen wrote.

    PLEASE “CONSIDER US WORTH IT!”
    – Consider getting to our hyper local businesses worth those extra 5 minutes of circling around the neighborhood to get to our parking lots
    – Consider making your way out to our hella fun community events like @tastytakeover worth the annoying detours and traffic cones
    – Consider walking around past the incessant sound of drilling on concrete worth it for the dope music, real conversations and stupid dad jokes you’ll hear once you’re inside one of your favorite Milk District spots

    The boutique also shared a video (below) showing patrons how to navigate the area.

    Neighboring bar The Nook on Robinson also took to social media to ask for continued support throughout the construction process.

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    Chloe Greenberg

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