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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Dr. Phillips Center sues CNL Charitable Foundation for millions.

• Rueben Chinyelu's basketball journey brings 6-11 Nigerian to Gators.

• A deep-dive into the life of Joyce Channing.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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!

What annual Orlando event celebrates the rich history and culture of Native American tribes through traditional music, dance, crafts, and food?

A) The Orlando Indigenous Festival

B) Native American Heritage Festival

C) The Thundering Spirit Pow Wow

D) The American Indian Arts Celebration

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Orlando's innovative 'Tech District' known for its focus on technology startups and creative enterprises is B) Creative Village.

News

💼Business

Dr. Phillips Center sues CNL Charitable Foundation over millions. (link)

Law firm buys former Orange Legal building near downtown. (link)

🏒Sports

Wendell Carter Jr. eyes quick return from preseason injury. (link)

Rueben Chinyelu’s basketball journey leads 6-11 Nigerian to Gators. (link)

🏦Finance

Flights to these locations, airlines are on decline at Orlando International Airport. (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

⚽ FHSAA 7A District 6 Tournament
1101 Bear Crossing Dr, Orlando, FL
Monday 14 October, 2024 at 6:00 pm | (More Info)

🏃 Wednesday Night Run/Walk
741 W Montrose St, Clermont, FL
Wednesday 16 October, 2024 at 6:30 pm | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Enter Shikari
The Beacham, Orlando, FL
Mon • Oct 14, 2024 • 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Hard Swingin' Country Soiree with Decker & Dimitrov
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Wed Oct 16 2024 7:00 PM Doors - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🌄 Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life
Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Wed • Oct 16, 2024 • 5:30 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 “A smart Orlando where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life” 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

The Rollins College Founding (1885) - Higher education and community development.

In the heart of Florida, amidst the burgeoning growth of communities and the push towards modernity in the late 19th century, Rollins College was founded in 1885 as a testament to the value of higher education and its pivotal role in community development. Situated in the scenic town of Winter Park, just a stone's throw from Orlando, the college became the first recognized college of the state, marking a cornerstone in Florida's educational and cultural development. The founding of Rollins College was greatly influenced by New England Congregationalists, who saw the potential for a prosperous educational institution in the subtropical ambience of Winter Park, thereby contributing significantly to the region's intellectual and social infrastructure.

From its inception, Rollins College embodied a commitment to liberal arts education, aiming to foster critical thinking, effective communication, and a deepened understanding of the cultural and natural world amongst its students. This educational philosophy was not only about academic excellence but also about cultivating leaders who could contribute positively to societal advancement. The college's establishment acted as a catalyst for local development, drawing both educators and students from various parts of the country, thus nurturing a community of scholars and innovators within the Orlando area. The college's emphasis on small class sizes and personalized education further cemented its role as a vibrant community hub for learning and cultural exchanges.

Over the years, Rollins College has expanded its influence beyond the confines of academia, intertwining with Orlando's growth and evolving into a significant cultural and intellectual landmark. Through a myriad of community engagement programs, partnerships with local organizations, and contributions to the arts and sciences, Rollins College has played an instrumental role in shaping the social fabric of Orlando. Its founding in 1885 not only marked the beginning of higher education in the region but also laid the groundwork for a thriving community that values knowledge, fosters inclusivity, and champions innovation. Today, Rollins College stands as a testament to the enduring power of education in community development and continues to inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to society.

Famous People From Orlando

Joyce Channing - Artist and sculptor, contributed to Orlando’s cultural and artistic scene.

Finding Form: The Early Years (1945-1963)

Joyce Channing was born into a vibrant, working-class neighborhood in Orlando, Florida, where the rich tapestry of community life would come to define his artistic ethos. From a young age, Joyce showed an uncanny ability to shape the world around him, finding solace and expression in the clay and materials he scavenged from the local environment. This period was characterized by a voracious appetite for creation, laying the foundational skills that would define his career.

The Birth of an Artist: Education and Early Work (1964-1972)

After high school, Joyce attended the University of Florida, where he majored in Fine Arts with a focus on sculpture. These years were transformative, as Joyce honed his craft under the tutelage of renowned artists and educators. It was during this time that he began to exhibit his work, gaining recognition for his unique ability to capture the human condition through his sculptures.

The Orlando Scene: Establishing Roots (1973-1980)

Returning to Orlando with his degree, Joyce quickly became an integral part of the burgeoning art scene. The city, known for its lively cultural ethos, provided the perfect backdrop for Joyce's work. He opened a small studio in downtown Orlando, where he not only created but also hosted workshops and community art programs, fostering a sense of belonging and creativity in the local community.

A Voice Through Sculpture: Critical Acclaim (1981-1990)

The 1980s marked a period of critical acclaim for Joyce Channing. His sculptures, often large-scale installations focusing on themes of social justice, community, and human emotion, began to garner national attention. Exhibitions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles introduced his work to a wider audience, establishing Joyce as a significant voice in the American art scene.

The Power of Public Art: Major Projects (1991-2000)

Joyce's belief in the transformative power of art led him to focus on public projects in the 1990s. His sculptures, now landmarks, can be found in parks, public buildings, and schools across Orlando. These works served to both beautify the city and inspire its inhabitants, a testament to Joyce's vision of art as a communal treasure.

The Mentor: Nurturing the Next Generation (2001-2010)

The turn of the millennium saw Joyce dedicating much of his time to mentoring young artists. Recognizing the importance of guidance in a budding artist's career, he founded the Channing School of Art in Orlando. The institution has since become a beacon for young talent, with Joyce's philosophy of creativity, community, and craft at its core.

Legacy and Recognition: Awards and Honors (2011-2020)

Throughout his career, Joyce Channing received numerous awards and honors, including the Orlando Art Legend Award in 2015. However, he often stated that his greatest accomplishment was witnessing the positive impact of his work on the community and the success of artists he mentored.

Continuing to Create: The Later Years (2021-Present)

Even in his later years, Joyce continues to be an artistic force, working on both personal projects and community initiatives. His latest work, a series of sculptures inspired by the resilience of the human spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been praised for its poignant beauty and relevance.

Joyce Channing and Orlando: A Symbiotic Relationship (Throughout Career)

Joyce's connection to Orlando is a golden thread running through his life's work. The city has not only been his home but also his muse and canvas. Orlando has shaped Joyce as much as he has contributed to its cultural landscape, a relationship that exemplifies the symbiotic bond between artist and community.

The Artist’s Reflection: Looking Back (Throughout Career)

Reflecting on his journey, Joyce often speaks of the importance of chasing one's passion, the power of community, and the transformative nature of art. His story is one of an unwavering commitment to his craft and to the world around him, creating not just sculptures, but a legacy of inspiration and change.

Key Achievements of Joyce Channing:

• Became a defining figure in Orlando's cultural and artistic scene through his innovative sculptures.

• Gained national recognition for his work on themes of social justice and community.

• Created iconic public art installations that are landmarks in Orlando and beyond.

• Founded the Channing School of Art, nurturing generations of artists.

• Received the Orlando Art Legend Award in 2015 for his contributions to the city's cultural fabric.

Joyce Channing has lived a life dedicated to art and community, becoming an integral figure in Orlando's cultural scene. His journey from a curious child playing with clay in his neighborhood to a nationally recognized artist and mentor illustrates the profound impact one individual can have through creativity and passion. Channing's legacy, embodied in his sculptures and the artists he has mentored, continues to enrich and inspire.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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