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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Orlando Business Journal's 40th anniversary.

• Upcoming Orlando City SC game

• A deep-dive into the life of Lue Gim Gong.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."

- Albert Einstein

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Orlando museum focuses on the art and culture of the African diaspora, featuring contemporary and traditional works?

A) The Orlando Museum of Art

B) The Cornell Fine Arts Museum

C) The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts

D) The Wells' Built Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The only state park within Orlando city limits, known for its natural springs and wildlife viewing opportunities, is D) Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake.

News

💼 Business

Orlando Business Journal hosts 40th anniversary celebration. (link)

🏒 Sports

NWSL Power Rankings: Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current duel for top spot, Washington Spirit keep climbing. (link)

Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports hosts 2024 Warrior Games. (link)

🏦 Finance

Tim Tebow joins Winter Park venture capital group. (link)

Delta adds nonstop England-to-Orlando flight. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ Copa America 2024 - Group C - Bolivia v Panama
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Monday, Jul 1st | 9:00 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Orlando City SC v D.C. United
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Saturday, Jul 6th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Monday, Jul 1st | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Of The Darkness
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Thursday, Jul 4th | 10:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎉 Art opening
1842 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, FL
Saturday, Jul 6th | 7:45 pm | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban winter wonderland in Orlando with ice architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orlando Historical Events

1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake Relief Efforts - Orlando's response and support to disaster areas.

In the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, a devastating natural disaster that shook the core of Northern California, communities far and wide banded together to provide relief and support to those affected. Orlando, Florida, was one such community that stepped forward to lend a helping hand, demonstrating the power of compassion and the spirit of collective humanity in times of crisis. The city's residents and local organizations quickly mobilized to gather resources, funds, and volunteers to aid the earthquake victims, underscoring Orlando's commitment to supporting those in dire need, regardless of the distance separating them.

Orlando's response to the disaster was multifaceted, encompassing a range of efforts designed to address the immediate and long-term needs of the earthquake-hit regions. Donation drives were organized throughout the city, collecting not just monetary contributions but also essential supplies, including food, clothing, and medical resources. These goods became a lifeline for many affected communities, where local infrastructure and services had been severely disrupted. Additionally, Orlando's community leaders and humanitarian groups coordinated with national relief organizations to ensure that the aid reached its intended destinations swiftly and efficiently, reflecting a well-organized and deeply empathetic response to the crisis.

Moreover, the support extended by Orlando went beyond tangible aid; it also took the form of emotional and moral support. Vigils and events were organized, offering a space for residents to come together, reflect on the tragedy, and show solidarity with the victims and their families. This collective outpouring of concern and empathy not only helped raise additional funds for the relief efforts but also served as a testament to Orlando's unwavering support for those affected by the Loma Prieta Earthquake. Even as the immediate aftermath of the disaster began to fade from the headlines, Orlando's commitment to aiding in the recovery and rebuilding process remained steadfast, echoing the enduring bond of shared humanity in the face of natural calamities.

Famous People From Orlando

Lue Gim Gong - Horticulturist known as the "citrus wizard," contributed to the development of frost-resistant citrus varieties benefiting the Orlando area.

Lue Gim Gong: 1860-1925

Lue Gim Gong, the "citrus wizard," was a pioneering horticulturist whose contributions significantly advanced the citrus industry, particularly in the Orlando area. His innovations in developing frost-resistant citrus varieties have left an enduring impact on agriculture.

Early Life and Journey to America (1860-1882)

Born in a small village near Canton, China, Lue Gim Gong moved to the United States when he was just 12 years old. Seeking better opportunities, he embarked on a journey that led him to the vibrant city of San Francisco. His early years in America were challenging, navigating a new culture and the prevalent anti-Chinese sentiment of the time.

In the New England Mills (1882-1891)

Lue found work in the textile mills of Massachusetts, where he spent nearly a decade. It was during these formative years that Lue developed an interest in plants and horticulture, spending his spare time in the greenhouses and gardens owned by his employer's family. This period was crucial in shaping his future path as a horticulturist.

Move to Florida and the Pursuit of Horticulture (1891-1895)

Seeking a warmer climate due to health issues, Lue moved to the Orlando area in Florida. Here, he connected with Fannie Burlingame, a local woman passionate about botany. Under her guidance, Lue's informal education in horticulture began to flourish, and he quickly developed a keen interest in citrus cultivation.

Innovation in Citrus Cultivation (1895-1900)

Lue's groundbreaking work in horticulture began to gain momentum during this time. His focus was on developing citrus varieties that could withstand cold snaps, a significant challenge for growers in Florida. Through meticulous cross-pollination techniques, he pioneered early efforts to create frost-resistant citrus trees.

The "Citrus Wizard" and His Creations (1900-1910)

Lue's innovations bore fruit, quite literally, with the successful development of the "Lue Gim Gong orange." This variety, capable of withstanding lower temperatures, was a major breakthrough, earning him the moniker of "citrus wizard." His work revolutionized the citrus industry, making cultivation possible in areas previously deemed too risky due to frost.

Recognition and Challenges (1910-1920)

While Lue's contributions to horticulture began to receive recognition, including an award from the Horticultural Society, he faced numerous challenges. His non-citizenship status and lack of formal education in horticulture sometimes led to skepticism about his achievements among the scientific community. Despite these obstacles, Lue continued his work, tirelessly seeking to improve citrus cultivation methods.

Orlando's Citrus Legacy (1920-1925)

Lue's connection to Orlando became synonymous with his legacy. The city recognized his contributions to the citrus industry, with local growers adopting his methods and varieties. His work played a pivotal role in establishing Central Florida as a powerhouse in citrus production, a legacy that continues to this day.

Final Years and Legacy (1925 and Beyond)

Lue Gim Gong passed away in 1925, leaving behind a legacy as a self-taught genius who overcame numerous barriers to transform the citrus industry. His innovations in developing frost-resistant varieties helped safeguard the livelihoods of countless farmers in the Orlando area and beyond.

Key Achievements of Lue Gim Gong:

• Developed the "Lue Gim Gong orange," a frost-resistant variety that revolutionized citrus cultivation.

• Overcame significant personal and professional obstacles to become a leading figure in horticulture.

• His work significantly contributed to establishing Central Florida as a major citrus-producing region.

• Awarded by the Horticultural Society for his contributions to the field of horticulture.

Lue Gim Gong's story is a powerful testament to the impact of perseverance, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Despite facing numerous challenges, including cultural barriers and skepticism from peers, he left an indelible mark on the citrus industry. Through his groundbreaking work, Lue ensured that the citrus groves of Orlando and surrounding areas would not only survive but thrive, securing his place in history as the "citrus wizard."

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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