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Air Conditioning Filters

There is a new, weekly newspaper series sponsored by the Polk Homes of The Ledger called “Ask The Energy Expert”. It began publication a short time ago and I recommend it for readers interested in home energy issues. The author is Scott Ranck and if you have a particular topic related to the subject material you would like to see in his column, I am sure he would love to hear from...

A 2010 Christmas Story

One of the special qualities of the Christmas Season comes to life when an individual offers remarkable kindness to another. This year, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize such an individual, who exceeded what was required of his job description in order to satisfy the needs of local citizens. When it comes to sending out Christmas cards, procrastination has always been...

SCHOOL LUNCH

When I attended Junior and Senior High School, the school lunch was a popular subject for derogatory comments concerning the quality of the food. In deed, I remember some parents would not allow their children to consume cafeteria food and provided them with lunch boxes instead. Today, as I travel Florida, I continue to encounter criticism of the school lunch and cannot help but wonder...

Farewell To Dr. McKinzie

  Last week, Dr. Gail F. McKinzie completed her tenure as Polk County School Superintendent. I think she has done a fine job for our School System.     At the time, her selection process was controversial, because she was appointed as opposed to being elected. Members of our School Board received substantial criticism for this. In retrospect, her performance has validated; the...

Friends of the Library of Lakeland, Inc.

I know, the folks who live in the Lakeland area enjoy the many programs offered through the Lakeland Public Library. Some of these would not be possible without the help from a nonprofit group called, “Friends of the Library of Lakeland, Inc.”. This organization promotes the advancement of the Fine Arts and helps to provide our citizens the opportunity to participate in cultural...

Veteran Abuses Citizenship

Mr. Van T. Barfoot of Henrico County, Virginia is a decorated, WWII veteran. He resides in a Deed Restricted Subdivision of approximately 70 homes which prohibits erecting structures in front of their property. However, the HOA Bylaws allow for an American Flag to be displayed on the outside wall of their homes. In Sept. 2009, Mr. Barfoot erected a 21 foot flagpole in his front yard,...

Lakeland Arts on the Park

One of my favorite, extracurricular indulgences is the monthly visit to Lakeland Arts on the Park, located at 115 North Kentucky Avenue in downtown, Lakeland, Florida. It is a cultural Mecca of art exhibits from some of the most talented individuals in their respective, field of art.  The organization is a nonprofit group consisting of a Board of Directors, an Executive Director and...

Religion Versus Freedom of Speech

Across the country, the newspaper and television media have been reporting on a couple of noteworthy, controversies. One involves plans to build an Islamic Mosque near “Ground Zero” in New York City. The other involves Terry Jones, Pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida who is considering burning the “Quran” to demonstrate contempt for the religion of...

Education Band Wagon

Another election season is here and your vote could not be more important. Since the Bush Administration in Florida, local and state politicians have been lying to the public concerning Education and Employment. They have misled us by declaring, employment is not possible without education. They claim prospective employers will not come to Florida as a result of the State’s...

Who Mourns for Grandma?

For those of you who follow my articles in Central Florida Online, you are aware the subject material is generally, technical, analytical or news related in nature. Rarely, do I write about personal experiences, however, a recent visit to a small town in Southern Louisiana has compelled me to tell the story of what I witnessed while visiting an individual deemed to be terminally ill....

RELIGION & GOVERNMENTAL MEETINGS

Recent Lakeland Ledger “Voice of the People” articles reflect the passion and intensity people possess with respect to prayer in public, governmental meetings. Apparently, many citizens have come to believe the issue is “Atheists vs. Believers”. I think this is a misconception and needs to be addressed. The rights of the two, opposing sides is not what is in question, but...

My Evaluation of Lee Strobel’s Book, “Ca...

Earlier this year, a friend of mine asked me to evaluate a book called “Case For Christ”, written by Lee Strobel. I was chosen because my friend believed I would provide an unbiased and analytical review of what is considered a carefully, documented treatise of the authenticity of the existence of Jesus Christ. According to my friend, the book is somewhat unique because, both legal...

Memorial Day Message

Each Memorial Day we take time to honor those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during war related activity. Some volunteered and some did not, but all embraced the indescribable horror, no human being deserves to endure. I was born in 1955. As a result, I was either too young or too old to serve in various military campaigns spanning the last 55 years. Each...

Photovoltaic Modules (PVs) Ch. 15-16

My name is Frank E. Orzechowski and I am an Engineering Consultant, here in Polk County, Florida. Over the last three years, several folks have contacted me about the application of photovoltaic (PV) modules for their home. I have come to realize, there is substantial misinformation and confusion pertaining to the use of this solar electric technology and its benefits. Upon request, I...

Photovoltaic Modules (PVs) Ch. 10-14

Chapter 10–Misconceptions Concerning Government Rebates & Credits Before we talk about the Return on Investment, I need to clarify some misconceptions concerning the investment in the Photovoltaic Technology. Many Homeowners have told me they were informed, the local utilities were required by law, to buy back the excess electricity and the state and federal government would...

Photovoltaic Modules (PVs), Ch. 5-9

 My name is Frank E. Orzechowski and I am an Engineering Consultant, here in Polk County, Florida. Over the last three years, several folks have contacted me about the application of photovoltaic (PV) modules for their home. I have come to realize, there is substantial misinformation and confusion pertaining to the use of this solar electric technology and its benefits. Upon request,...

Photovoltaic Modules (PVs), Ch. 1-4

My name is Frank E. Orzechowski and I am an Engineering Consultant, here in Polk County, Florida. Over the last three years, several folks have contacted me about the application of photovoltaic (PV) modules for their home. I have come to realize, there is substantial misinformation and confusion pertaining to the use of this solar electric technology and its benefits. Upon request, I...

Lakeland Electric Solar Hot Water Progra...

In June, 2009, several Polk County Citizens requested I write a comprehensive report on the application and utilization of Photovoltaic Module Technology for residential homes. These PV modules would form an array and generate electricity which would reduce the homeowner’s dependency on their local electric utility. The report was presented as a 16 chapter series and provided the...