6 minute read
Garden Variety
Local History: Maxey-mum Impact
From Left: William and Juanita Maxey with teacher Mrs. A.L. Ware at William’s retirement party. 1965.
Photo and information courtesy Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
In the 1930s, the expectation for Black children to get an education was not the same as it was for white students. If a Black student received a few hours of learning each week, that was considered plenty—that is, until the Maxeys came.
William S. Maxey and his wife, Juanita, migrated to Winter Garden from Jacksonville in 1937 to serve as the principal and a teacher, respectively, at what was then known as the Winter Garden School for the Colored, a one-room wooden structure.
Over the years, new grades and teachers were added, and the space expanded.
Eventually the school was moved to Center Street and renamed after Dr. Charles R. Drew, the Black scientist who, thanks to his findings regarding blood storage, organized the first large-scale blood bank in the United States. Maxey remained principal for 28 years. He was known to drive through Winter Garden in his yellow car, looking for students who were supposed to be in class. Juanita taught for 45 years, while also working with the West Orange Hospital Auxiliary.
Today, the William S. Maxey Elementary School houses students of all ethnicities. Its vision “to ensure every student has a promising and successful future” is what helps the Maxey Wildcats grow stronger academically, socially, and emotionally. A kindred school community that promotes oneness as it highlights and celebrates individuality and uniqueness—that’s a true testament to the Maxey legacy.
Vocal Locals
What do you feel most passionate about right now?
Tomi N.
We just closed on a house yesterday, so I’m excited to get everything done and move in by mid-February!
Officer DJ B.
Megan A.
Robert R.
Matthew K.
MARKET WATCH: Farm Nine
The fantastical farm life of Niesa Putigna
Not far off the cobblestone path, you’ll find a farm of flowers, tilled, tended, and trimmed in ribbons to bring a wisp of whimsy to the local community. It sounds like the beginning of a children’s book, but it’s a day in the life of Niesa Putigna and her family. With the help of her husband and seven children (that makes nine!), Niesa transitioned from a career in nursing to a blooming business in bouquets and arrangements.
The Farm Nine family has been rooted in the Farmers Market for three years, and has grown a storefront and an online business in that time. With a staff of six plus the well-trained Putigna children, Farm Nine stays true to its mission to be with you on the walk of life. For birthdays, engagement parties, weddings, baby showers, and all steps along the way, the Putignas celebrate the flow of nature and the growth that comes with it.
In this vein, Farm Nine is collaborating with other local businesses to bring more beauty to the community, such as a February partnership with Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery. For more information, stop by the Farm Nine booth or go online to farmnine.com. There is no doubt you will appreciate the texture, colors, and aromas of their arrangements, knowing this family of nine is the amazing seed in the heart of the Garden.
REVIEW
Watch: About Time
In the movie About Time (2013, Rated R), the main character learns that the men in his family can time-travel on their 18th birthday. This begins an interesting adventure about being able to control what happens in one’s life and learning that some things can’t be controlled. I love the movie because it causes one to reflect and explore the notion that we should enjoy every second of life and make the most of it. The casting is superb (who doesn’t love Rachel McAdams?), and the best and most touching scenes are the ones between Tim and his father.
Richard G.’s favorite movie meal is the Mellow Mushroom Mighty Meaty, with Jerk Chicken substituting for the pepperoni. (Fun opinion but probably fact: the bread is really good.)
Listen: Old Church Basement
Old Church Basement is a live album by Maverick City (2021, streaming on Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music) that I really enjoy listening to. The lyrics are encouraging and comforting to sing along to, and I love the happy, upbeat music and messages.I love that it’s a live album—I’m really hoping I get to see Maverick City in concert in the near future.
CeCe F. is a local high school student. She played piano when she was younger and currently sings in her school’s band. In her free time, she likes to exercise, write, play soccer, and hang out with friends.
CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT: Shepherd’s Hope
How’s this for heart? On Valentine’s Day 1997, the first Shepherd’s Hope Health Center—staffed completely by volunteers, and supported by one church partner and one hospital partner—opened its doors to Winter Garden. Twenty-five years later, it’s become the largest free and charitable clinic in Florida, both in the number of locations and patient capacity.
That phenomenal growth has come at the hands of more than 3,000 licensed medical and general volunteers, three community hospital systems, and five free-standing health center locations providing 330,380 primary care and specialty care patient visits to uninsured men, women, and children since 1997.
The “caring people, caring for people” mission driving Shepherd’s Hope not only serves individuals, but has contributed directly to Central Florida’s healthcare economy by mitigating the financial impact to hospitals and healthcare providers for the services they provide to uninsured and indigent patients—to the tune of $20 million in annual community cost savings.
In spite of such successes, the pandemic has driven the number of uninsured and underinsured Central Floridians needing convenient access to acute and specialty healthcare to dramatic new heights. Whether you’re a medical professional interested in donating your services, a community member wishing to volunteer, or a resident who would like to support this amazing mission with a donation, Shepherd’s Hope needs your help.
Get Involved!
shepherdshope.org
Turn to page 42 to learn how Shepherd’s Hope Ambassador Alyson Chu is helping to HEAL the community.
