Commentary: Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Bonnie Donihi, executive director, Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida, commenting on the passage in 2011 of the Kelly Smith Gynecologic and Ovarian Cancer Education and Awareness Act. length — 04:32
On Being Gay in Central Florida
June is recognized in the U. S. as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender month. Marking that occasion, Central Florida Matters interviews Dr. Michelle Stephan, a gay woman, on the satisfaction and challenges of life as a gay person in Seminole County. With her partner, Stephan has found a neighborhood of friends as they raised a son in Oviedo; yet, she is also aware of the inequality and hostility that she faced being gay in Central Florida. Feature length – 24:33
Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner, photo “Balões” courtesy Felipe (Aladim) Hadler.
Bullying
Hear remarks offered at the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce members’ luncheon on the subject of bullying in the public school environment. Subject matter experts Seminole County public schools’ W. Gene Grace, Director of School Safety and Student Alternative Placement; Laurie Bailey, Community Service Officer in the Crime Prevention Unit of the Seminole County Sheriff’s office, and Dr. Stacy M. Van Horn, a faculty member in the College of Education’s department of Child, Family and Community Services of the University of Central Florida. Miss Florida 2010, Jaclyn Raulerson, is a special guest speaker reflecting on her experience as a victim of childhood bullying. Feature Length — 33:07
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Hispanic Students in Seminole County
Feature length 20:58
The Hispanic population in Florida increased by 57% in a decade. The student population in Seminole County Public Schools is 18% Hispanic. And Hispanic students have a high dropout rate. These statistics put pressure on the school system and Hispanic students adapt and improve. Two Hispanic high school students and the Coordinator of the ESOL and World Languages program describe the challenges faced by Hispanic students and the programs that assist them.
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Homelessness: A Community Conversation
Feature Length 27:14
To more effectively address the issue of homelessness in Seminole County Florida, the community services department of county government convened the second in a series of meetings of providers of services to the homeless community. CMF public media sat in to record the conversations that took place.
Independent Living: Aging Out of Foster Care
When young people in foster care leave the system at age 18 they face the difficult task of forging an independent life. Philip, Kristina and Stephanie discuss the deeply personal challenges of creating a successful life after foster care. Their safety net is the support they receive from the Independent Living Program administered by Community Based Care of Central Florida. Keri Flynn of CBC describes the support IL gives to the 45 young people in Seminole County who have “aged out” of foster care. Feature length – 22:54
Commentary: The Arts are Alive in Schools
02/14/11, Central Florida Matters, Podcast | Tags: Arts, Education, Family & Kids, Opinion & Commentary
Feature length – 4:19
Eric Geboff, executive director of The Foundation for Seminole County Schools, comments on supporting the fine arts in public school and the opportunities for creativity the arts provide for students. Length – 04:19
Foster Care – A Mom’s Story
Feature length – 18:07
Foster care provides a safe refuge for abused, neglected and abandoned children. Stephanie Weinstein, who lives in Seminole County, Florida, has been a foster parent for twelve years. She describes the joys and challenges of embracing children who need a safe place to go. Stephanie’s adopted daughter Laura, age 8, also shares her thoughts on families and fostering. Length – 18:07
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Longwood Muslim Community Center
01/13/11, Central Florida Matters, Podcast | Tags: Family & Kids, Government, Living, People, Religion
The American Muslim Community Centers is establishing a center in Longwood, Fl. The facility will include meeting rooms, a prayer hall and athletic areas. Atif Fareed, president of the organization, explains the plans for the center and speaks to the post 9/11 atmosphere for Muslims in Central Florida. Longwood City Commissioner Joe Durso describes how the city welcomes this newest addition to the growing community. Feature length – 18:29
Schaffner: 1-on-1
DeDe Schaffner has been elected Chairman of the Seminole County School Board at a time of declining revenues and increasing services. She discusses the challenges and issues that face the schools during this difficult time. Feature length – 14:54
