Presidents Message

I hope you have made the most of your long summer days, and for those of you that traveled to cooler locations, I wish you a safe journey back to Central Florida. Hurricane Idalia was our first “wake-up” call that we are in the middle of hurricane season. We are fortunate that we didn’t take a major hit, and keep in mind there’s always a chance a tornado can form in the aftermath. Double check to make sure your hurricane plans are in place and ensure your supply kit is well stocked! Please refer to the attached Hurricane Checklist which provides life saving tips while preparing for seasonal hurricanes. Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is in place until 8 September. You can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies tax-free.

Find a full list of tax-free items at www.FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and a complete disaster supply kit checklist at www.FloridaDisaster.org/Kit

Several of our chapter members volunteered at the August 25th Orlando VA Creative Art Show at Lake Nona in support of our local veteran artists. There were several hundred works of art on display and we had 260 visitors who had a chance to judge the artwork. I want to thank Al and Ruth Schroeder for setting up a MOAA table to promote our chapters “Healing Through Expression” philanthropy non-profit charity.

Our next chapter luncheon is right around the corner on 12 September 2023. Our guest speaker will be David Mink, the Audience Development Manager for the Orlando Shakes. Al Schroeder and I sat with David to discuss a joint venture for displaying veteran artwork at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. After a performance at the Shakes ends, we will display the artwork from local veterans who are enrolled in the VA and offer an opportunity for veterans and patrons to interact about the artwork. We continue to look for volunteers, so if art is something that interests you, please let us know. Lorraine