Editor Letter For July 2024: Creating a Community of Love
Read the latest from Orlando Magazine editor Jennifer McKee.
Like many others of my generation, I grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was an integral part of my childhood education. I was in it for the Neighborhood of Make-Believe—as I’m sure many other youngsters were—but the beauty of it was that Fred Rogers was teaching us life lessons whether we knew it or not.
My favorite puppet was Henrietta Pussycat, who lived in a tree next door to X Owl. No surprise, since I’m a lifelong cat lover. She spoke in mostly meows—except for the words “Mister Rogers,” “beautiful” and “telephone”—and wore pretty dresses. She was shy, delicate and could get jealous of new friends to the neighborhood.
I was a shy child, so perhaps that was another connection to Henrietta. But X was always there to validate her. To let her know that she was special, no matter if new people came into their lives. Kindness and empathy were defining characteristics. This was the first time someone spoke to children as peers and validated our feelings. We could be angry or jealous or sad or scared, and we were encouraged to express those feelings. What mattered most, said Rogers, was what we do with those feelings.
This all came flooding back as I found myself on the campus of Rollins College, Rogers’ alma mater. Here you can take a walking tour where you can see one of his sweaters, a pair of his sneakers and visit the 360-degree “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor” sculpture. Download a copy of the map online, or pick one up at Olin Library, the tour’s starting point.
Rollins College is a few blocks away from Park Avenue, one of the main streets featured in this issue. It’s a supremely walkable street where you’re likely to meet a new friend or two—I did!—and it’s just rife for exploration. It’s one of 11 Central Florida communities we highlight this July. You’ll also discover an additional five throughout the state that are worth a drive. Follow us on the journey.
Also in this issue, we feature the Hot 100, Hot 100 Elite, All Star real estate professionals and Top Mortgage Professionals. So, if you’re looking for a new neighborhood to call home, these are the people to consult.
Lastly, if you have a favorite restaurant, bakery, food truck or chef in your community you want to share some love with, call them out in our 2024 Orlando magazine Dining Awards polling. Head to orlandomagazine.com/vote to cast your ballot. Voting ends on August 1, so act now! Winners will be announced in the November 2024 issue and online on November 1.
