01.18.18 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Sticking with love Winter Garden, Ocoee celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. PAGE 6.

YOUR TOWN WILSON-MORGAN ENGAGEMENT

Sizzle & style

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Matthew Winter co-owns Matthew’s Steakhouse with parents Horst and Gabi.

Labor of love Volunteers for Community Impact donated waterproof sleeping mats crocheted using plastic bags to the Ocoee Christian Service Center.

Hull Island project stalls in Oakland The Town Commission told the developer he must take the project back to the Planning & Zoning Board for clarification.

ARTS & CULTURE

Matthew’s Steakhouse is one of the first tenants to open in the new building at 360 W. Plant St., across from Crooked Can Brewing Company and the Plant Street Market. PAGE 4.

Paul Joseph Morgan, formerly of Winter Garden, and Cheyenne Elise Wilson of Cabot, Arkansas, will exchange vows Feb. 17, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Cabot. Paul is a 2008 graduate of West Orange High School and a graduate of Adventist University of Health Sciences. He is the son of Sharon Morgan (Farrell Duncan) and Michael (Marie) Morgan and the grandson of Ed and Dee Brown, all of Winter Garden, and the late Marshall and Naomi Morgan, of Groveland. Cheyenne is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Harding University. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Wilson of Cabot and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Rutledge, Mae Wilson and the late Harold Wilson, all of Batesville.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

SEE PAGE 8

Painters and photographers share their vision of Lake Apopka. PAGES 12-13.

There was an abundance of frustration at the Jan. 9 Oakland Town Commission meeting regarding a proposed 73-acre development on the west end of town. Nearby residents, many in attendance that night, said this subdivision likely will alter their rural way of life. Town officials are frustrated the projSEE LOT PAGE 4

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JAN. 18

YOUR CALENDAR

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

BULLET JOURNALING 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Love to make lists, use colorful pens, scrapbook and stay organized? Then Bullet Journaling is for you. Learn how to create your own customized bullet journal at this fun and creative program. (407) 835-7323. CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Network with other business men and women and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary beer and wine and door prizes. Tickets are $5 for Chamber members in advance, $10 for Chamber members at the door and $25 for non-members. RSVP at wochamber.com.

DISCOVER U.S. CENSUS RECORDS 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. The United States Federal Census has been conducted every 10 years beginning in 1790. Learn what information is contained in each of the censuses and discover how to use all of the various bits of information from the census as clues to further your research. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, JAN. 19

FOOD TRUCKS AND MOVIE IN THE PARK 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. The city of Ocoee’s monthly event kicks off the new year with “Lego Ninjago,” a computer-animated action comedy martial-arts film. Food trucks are set up the entire time; the movie begins at 7:15. The Friends of Ocoee History Preservation will give the tours of the 1888 Withers-Maguire House, 16 E.

OUR TOUGHNESS IS YOUR STRENGTH.

Oakland Ave., from 6 to 8:30. (407) 905-3180 or visit ocoee. org.

their produce. Participants will create a dish and receive a chef knife. $100. (321) 677-2991.

ROTARY DANCE 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. The first Winter Garden Rotary Club dance will have a disc jockey taking requests, and the $20 ticket includes two drinks and light snacks. Any money raised after expenses are paid will go to a local charity. For tickets, visit rotaryclubofwintergarden.org.

HAPPINESS ROCKS 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Spread happiness by painting a rock and adding a message on the back. You can keep your rock or share it by hiding it for someone else to find. Ages 11 to 18. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, JAN. 20

CRUZ N CAR SHOW 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, along Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Check out vintage cars and trucks, or enter your own for a chance to win prizes. (407) 656-4111. CULINARY BASICS & MARKET TOUR CLINIC 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, 230 W. Bay St. The Kids Cooking Connection, in Windermere, is hosting the clinic for children ages 7 and older. Class begins by walking the Winter Garden Farmers Market. Chefs will learn how to select the best produce and learn kitchen safety with a focus on knife and chopping skills on

SUNDAY, JAN. 21

MUSIC AND TESTIMONY BY ADAM’S ROAD 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at First Baptist Church Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant St. The Christian band Adam’s Road is presenting an evening of music and testimony, and free CDs and other materials will be given to attendees. Hear the members’s testimonies and listen to Gospel-centered music. Information on the Adam’s Road page on Facebook.

MONDAY, JAN. 22

COMMUNITY PLANNING MEETING 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, in the Maxey Elementary School cafeteria, 1100 E. Maple St., Winter Garden. (407) 877-5020. SELLING SUNSHINE Ongoing exhibit through Monday, Jan. 22, at the Winter

Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. The Winter Garden Heritage Museum has created this display that pays homage to the citrus industry and the art of citrus advertising. Copywriters paid close attention to scientific advances in agriculture and were quick to market trends for consumers to follow. This exhibit features many of the ingenious ads that span a century. (407) 656-3244.

TUESDAY, JAN. 23

CUISINE CORNER JUNIOR: HOLY GUACAMOLE! 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Learn to prepare this classic dip that’s both easy to whip up and delicious. Ages 8 to 18. Space is limited. Registration required at (407) 835-7323. CUISINE CORNER: TRANQUIL MOMENTS 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Celebrate Hot Tea Month with a cup of stress-relief tea. Karon Cannon of Tea Craze shares tips on blending teas to get the perfect cup, and each participant will blend his or her own tea to take home. Enjoy a sampling of Karon’s stress relief tea called Tranquil Moments. Registration required at (407) 835-7323.

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Fur & Feathers Pet Resort owner Darren Korito said the facility has two separate playrooms, each reserved for small dogs and large dogs.

Former employees accuse business of fraud, neglect The former employees made the claims against Winter Garden’s Fur & Feathers Pet Resort on Facebook. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

According to former employee Olivia Burris, the owner instructed employees to house dogs in the two-foot-by-two-foot grooming kennels.

ing he and his wife will be suing for defamation. “Unfortunately, we recently had to say goodbye to a number of employees that we felt were not living up (to) our high standards,” Korito wrote. “Sadly, this has created animosity and anger among those no longer employed by us. These former employees have now taken it upon themselves to band together and attack Fur & Feathers using the internet. These former employees are posting false and untruthful statements with the intent of hurting Fur & Feathers.” However, several former employees — some of whom worked at the pet resort years ago — have agreed with the accusations made by Burris. Alexa Burch, a former employee who said she worked there for about two years starting Feb. 29, 2016, corroborated the claims made by the Facebook post.

“The place was super roachinfested,” Burch said. “It was really nasty. We couldn’t eat snacks or anything without being mobbed by roaches. And second off, dealing with the customers and telling them their dogs get three playtimes and five potty breaks per day when really everyone gets two playtimes and two potty breaks. People would sit there and figure it out. They’d ask, ‘Well, if you start playtime at 9 a.m., and there are this many dogs, then how do you have enough time to do so many playtimes?’ We’d pretty much just have to lie and tell them that we make it work, when really that didn’t happen.” Burch said she once confronted Korito about the deceit. “I let him know my issues in the beginning,” Burch said. “I told him I was curious if he really thinks it’s OK that I’m telling people they’re getting this when they’re actually

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

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getting something else. And he just said, ‘Oh honey, all of the pet resorts do this to make their profit, and it’s not lying.’” When asked about how the employees manage to walk all the dogs under their care the required number of times — which can range from three to five times based on the bronze, silver and gold packages that start at $12.95 and reach up to $24.95 per night — Korito said his employees work on a rotation throughout the day. “There’s a certain number of potty breaks included in each package, so I think it’s about three potty breaks in the basic package and then up to five potty breaks with the gold package,” Korito said. “So we have to look at what package was purchased for each dog and take them out based on that, but the dogs go out a minimum of three times a day, because we all know a dog has to go out at least once in the morning, afternoon and the evening.” According to Korito, the facility can hold up to a maximum of 100 to 107 dogs, and the number of pets in their care and staff employed fluctuates widely based on the season. Summer, he said, is the business’s busiest time. And summer 2017, Burch and Burris said, is when several dogs in the facility contracted an illness that resulted in bloody stools and the vomiting of blood. “The experience I felt the most strongly about was when we had a bunch of dogs who got really sick over the summer and instead of letting us contact the owners, Darren took it upon himself to bring medication from his own house for one of his dogs, whiteout the name on the bottle and then instruct employees to give them to the dogs, which is really illegal,” Burris said. “And it could’ve ended really badly, and that’s what most of us were concerned about, especially because the dogs hadn’t had any medical attention so we didn’t know what was wrong with them. But all he worried about was getting a bad reputation because that’s about the time when the canine influenza was going around.” When asked about the proce-

Olivia Burris included a photo that displayed a list of dogs being medicated without the owners’ consent.

dure he takes if a dog gets sick, Korito emphasized they immediately contact the pet owner, if possible. “We almost always call the customer right away and let them know what’s going on,” he said. “Sometimes, people are on a cruise ship or are unavailable, but they do sign a boarding agreement with us, which basically just gives us the authority to make decisions in the best interest of the dog. If we feel the dog doesn’t require veterinary care then we will take care of it inhouse, and if we feel that it’s something serious, we take it to the vet.” According to both former employees, Korito threatened to fire any employee who tried to call the owners or refused to give the medication to the dogs, reminding them that they could be easily replaced. The constant threat succeeded on Burris until she reached her breaking point and walked out in the middle of a shift, she said. The grooming kennels, Burris said, are two feet by two feet, while the standard kennels measure six feet by six feet. Although Burris included photos in her post of various dogs in small grooming kennels, as well as the photo of a blue prescription bottle for Imodium and list of dogs who were sick last summer, the owners insist the photos are fake and the employees making claims against them are disgruntled employees. “Their claims of us being disgruntled are pretty ridiculous,” Burch said. “I witnessed it all firsthand. And I mean, I don’t think Darren is a horrible person; I just think at the end of the day money trumped anything else.”

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WINTER GARDEN A Facebook post written by a Sanford resident formerly employed by a Winter Garden pet-boarding business caused an uproar of shock and anger among West Orange residents. The post — published by Olivia Burris Tuesday, Jan. 9 — alleged the owners of Fur & Feathers Pet Resort, Darren Korito and his wife, Sky, are guilty of fraud and animal neglect. Included among the many accusations, the post alleges the owners coerced employees into deceiving pet owners, instructed employees to administer nonprescribed medication to several dogs who suddenly began suffering from an illness that caused bloody stools and vomiting without the owners’ consent, placed dogs in two-foot-by-two-foot grooming kennels when overbooked without the pet owners’ knowledge, and allowed the continued operation of the business despite a roach infestation and mold issues. Darren Korito declined to comment directly on the allegations per the advice of his attorney, but he emphasized his 12-year business has never been cited with a violation and believes recent inspections conducted by the Winter Garden Police Department and Orange County Animal Services will result in positive inspection reports. The West Orange Times & Observer has requested the reports. In a comment left on the Facebook post, Korito said the online statements are 100% false, add-

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Contributing Writer / Brittany Gaines, bgaines@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry,

Matthew’s Steakhouse aims to blend a down-home feel with a fine-dining experience.

Courtesy photo

mgentry@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson,

Fine, friendly dining DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN

teak lovers: Get your forks ready and come hungry. Matthew’s Steakhouse is set to officially open its new Winter Garden location this week. If you used to frequent Matthew’s Steaks & More in Ocoee, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s essentially the same restaurant, with the same family — the Winters — behind it. The family, which lives in Ocoee but hails from Germany, shuttered Matthew’s Steaks & More on Maguire Road in 2012 but has been anxious to fire up the grill again since. And with a 2,000-square-foot space in a new building, right in the midst of downtown Winter Garden, it’s a chance to dive right back into doing what they love. The Winters have wanted to open a location in Winter Garden for years. When the new building at 360 W. Plant S.t was in the works, Horst Winter made sure to get on the waiting list. After 15 years of Matthew’s Steaks & More, a brief run with owning and operating the 269 West Wine Lounge and two years on the waiting list to get into the new building, the Winter family got the green light for the Winter Garden restaurant about one-

CORRECTION In the Jan. 11 edition, the story, “County begins weekly large trash pickup,” read, “Orange County customers now can place their large items on the curb the same day as their trash.” Customers should place large items on the curb on the same day as their yard waste. The service began this month and will run weekly. We regret the errors.

and-one-half years ago. It took about a year of preparation and many months of buildout. “They handpicked everything in here themselves, from the floor to paint and chairs,” said Joy Christmas, Matthew Winter’s girlfriend and an employee at the restaurant. “They designed the whole thing, from color scheme to curtains. … They waited for so long because everyone loved the location, and the customers were so loyal.” The restaurant can seat 68 people, and each table is set elegantly with a black tablecloth, glassware and silverware and surrounded by white chairs. Brightly colored salt and pepper shakers add a pop of color, as does a wall in the back that’s painted with elegant splashes of pastel colors. One row of booths is situated parallel to and just feet away from the cherry-and-oak wood grill. Here, guests can watch Horst Winter — Matthew’s father — cook their steaks to perfection. For this reason, Christmas said, those booths book out quickly. All food on the menu at Matthew’s is made fresh daily, and from scratch. Each steak is handcut by Horst, and the menu is infused with special Winter family recipes. “The preparation is done daily,” Christmas said. “Horst cuts the steaks, and Gabi (Matthew’s mother) cooks everything from the homemade side dishes to

IF YOU GO MATTHEW’S STEAKHOUSE 360 W. Plant St., Winter Garden Call (407) 520-7511 for reservations. GRAND OPENING: 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19 EMAIL: matthewsteakhouse@gmail.com

desserts and soups. It’s all family recipes handed down from Germany. It’s all unique — it’s their secret. Their customers remember it and know and ask, ‘Are you still going to have your goulash or your French onion soup?’ You get that down-home feel with a finedining experience.” One of Horst’s favorite dishes to cook up is his New York Strip steak, which is not only hand cut but also fat-free. He selects the finest Supreme Angus Beef and hand-trims all excess fat before cooking it to order over the open grill. Horst offers and can cook to order anything from filet mignon and New York Strip to pepper steak, porterhouse and ribeye steaks. For steaks, prices start at $28 and go up to $44. But Matthew’s still offers more than steaks. Also on the menu are varieties of pork, chicken and fresh seafood, as well as salads, homemade soups and appetizers. Prices range for $6 for side orders

to $22 for pork tenderloin. New to the Winters’s steakhouse is a bar area, which features a selection of wines from pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and merlot to sparkling, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and chardonnays. It also offers a selection of interesting reds and whites. Although the restaurant is not yet officially open, the response the Winters have received is positive, they said. Calls have poured in daily, and they couldn’t be more excited to be part of Winter Garden and to hold the grand opening on Friday, Jan. 19. “The response has been overwhelming, but in a good way,” Matthew Winter said. “It’s been unbelievable. We have very loyal customers.” Each family member and employee is an essential piece to the puzzle of making the dream work, Christmas said. And since everything is fresh and made to order, reservations are required so they can know what and how much to prepare. “Everyone has a role,” Christmas said. “Without Horst, it doesn’t work, without Gabi it doesn’t work, without one of them it couldn’t work. … You still get that family-owned feel. You hug your customers when they leave, you don’t just say goodnight and thank you.”

Lot sizes dominate discussion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ect had gotten this far when there were still so many unanswered questions. And the developer isn’t happy that his project is being further stalled. The neighborhood in question is planned for Hull Island and, at present, proposes 115 homes. Town officials consider this pristine land and want to make sure a quality development is built there. The applicant/developer, John Laga, of Laga Enterprises, is working his way through the nine-step process and went before the Town Commission for approval of the preliminary subdivision plan. The

Planning & Zoning Board had recommended approval at its Dec. 19, 2017, meeting, but commissioners now are questioning the lot sizes on the properties abutting Lake Apopka. The lots are 65 feet wide, and commissioners said that is too small and want to see a minimum of 100 feet in that area of the neighborhood. Commissioner Rick Polland said the smaller width will make the area too dense and will take away from the charm of Oakland. Commissioner Sal Ramos doesn’t like that boat docks will be built so close together. “We want to do this right,” May-

or Kathy Stark said. Laga said he expects to sell these lakefront lots for about $800,000 each. “What’s key is how big of a house will you put on a 65-foot lot,” Commissioner Mike Satterfield said. Laga said the types of homes still are being determined, “but they won’t be as intensive as in Oakland Park.” After the preliminary site plan goes back to the P&Z for changes, it will return to the Town Commission for another vote. After that, it will go through four more steps before the commission votes on the final plat.

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The West Orange Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The West Orange Times & Observer can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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The Ocoee charter school received a construction grant from Dr Pepper Snapple and nonprofit KaBOOM.

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New equipment was installed Jan 8.

environmental playground measuring 45,000 square feet. “This generous grant from in savings or onboard DPS and KaBOOM! will enable credit when you attend the our school to greatly enhance the show!* outdoor experience at our new 18-acre campus,” Moore said. “Our school educates the whole child. An important part of that is honoring the child’s ability to learn through play. Innovative play equipment like this not only strengthens their cognitive, physical, and social skills, but it’s also great fun.” The school recently hosted a Community Playground Build Day, during which about 50 people helped construct the playground equipment with assistance from professional installers.

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The 18-acre campus of Innovation Montessori Ocoee, located at 1610 N. Lakewood Ave, will soon have a large recreational and play space area. The school, which officially opened its doors Monday, Jan. 8, was able to purchase high-quality and innovative playground equipment that was assembled and installed on the 45,000-squarefoot play area for the school’s 425 first- through eighth-grade students using a construction grant. The $15,000 grant — provided by Dr Pepper Snapple Group and the national nonprofit KaBOOM!, a nonprofit organization that helps underserved communities build playgrounds — will be used for the new campus’s two large outdoor play spaces totaling 62,000 square feet. According to school’s governing board president, Sherilyn Moore, the campus will have flower and herb gardens situated near a retention pond, an outdoor classroom, a 4.5-acre nature preserve and two playgrounds surrounded by 200 oak trees, which the school board decided to integrate into the campus during construction. One playground, which will be for the primary students, will be 17,000 square feet, and the second, for the elementary and middle-school students, will be an

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Program Specialist Sebrenia Brown and Winter Garden Commissioner Mark Maciel were spotted at the Winter Garden parade and celebration.

Residents showed off signs to spread a positive message at the Winter Garden parade.

‘If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk.’ W

Congresswoman Val Demings walked to the sidewalk to hug a resident at the Ocoee parade.

Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and his wife, Linda, were spotted walking in the Winter Garden parade.

The fifth-graders at Oakland Avenue Charter School participated in an MLK collage contest. The individual topprize winners were Ethan Khan, left, first place; Christian Rogers, second place; and Kevin Perez, third place.

— TIM FREED AND DANIELLE HENDRIX Ocoee Police Deputy Chief Saima Plasencia handed out stickers and fans to children at the Ocoee parade.

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Alice Flowers sang a wonderful rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the Winter Garden celebration.

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est Orange celebrated the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with several celebrations. Winter Garden hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Parade on Saturday, Jan. 13. The events included a parade down East Bay Street that culminated at the West Orange Recreation Center, where a celebration spread a positive message about unity and equality. Then on Monday, Jan. 15, Ocoee’s Human Relations Diversity Board presented the city’s 12th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration. Hundreds of people, both spectators and participants, braved the cool temperatures and gathered along Clarke Road to celebrate unity and commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After the parade, residents reconvened in the West Oaks Mall food court for a special ceremony featuring keynote speaker Ronald Blocker, a former Orange County Public Schools superintendent.

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OrangeObserver.com

JAN. 5

407-656-7947

OCOEE

MultiMillion Dollar Producer

WINDERMERE DEC. 31, 2017

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www.patsharr.com

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Take a look at this CUSTOM BUILT 2 STORY BRICK COLONIAL!!! Located on 7.86 acres, bring your horses, cows, chickens or just enjoy all of the land. Open the door to your future, wood flooring, tile in all wet areas, living room, picture window dining room and custom eat-in kitchen includes all appliances, wood cabinets, granite counters and island. Family room features brick wood burning fireplace for those cozy evenings! All bedrooms are located on the 2nd floor, master bedroom has French doors leading to the private balcony, enjoy the panoramic views!!! Master bedroom is adjoined by master bath, dual sinks, garden jetted tub and separate shower. The other 3 bedrooms are centered around the guest bath and the end bedroom also has a private balcony. Located on the first floor also features 1/2 bath and laundry room. Property is fenced and has gated entrance!!! See this property today, get away from all the traffic and noise to quite country living!!! New roof to be installed!!! Asking Only $ 425,000

JUST LISTED!!!

MR. & MRS. CLEAN LIVE HERE!!! 4BDRM., 2.5 BA. 2 STORY POOL HOME!!!This is a picturesque setting, very well maintained landscaped yard and a superb interior. Inside you will find a ceramic tiled foyer, living/dining room that is currently being used as a living room, the kitchen features range, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal all are staying. Inside laundry room, large walk-in pantry. Breakfast area with sliding glass doors leading to the screened lanai. Family room with wood flooring and large enough for everyday living!!! Also featured is a half bath on the first floor. Upstairs you will find the huge master bedroom adjoined by the master bath, garden tub, dual sinks, separate shower and large walk-in closet. The other 3 bedrooms are centered around the guest bath, dual sinks, tub with shower. Lets go back down stairs and out to the screened lanai and sparkling pool, no rear neighbors right in your back yard! ASKING ONLY $279,000

67 Main Street. An officer responded to a call from a man requesting assistance with his girlfriend, who he alleged had been physically violent with him following a verbal argument. Upon arriving on scene, the man told the officer his girlfriend had physically injured him, leaving red marks on his neck. He explained he was driving home when he saw his girlfriend walking his dog. He stopped the car and picked her up when an argument ensued in the car. After arriving at their residence, he tried to leave with the dog, but his girlfriend prevented him from leaving the vehicle by grabbing his neck and shirt collar. Once the man got away, he ran off with his dog. But he then returned home and left his other vehicle and drove to his mother’s house located in Windermere to drop off his dog. The girlfriend was later arrested for battery, and the man will press charges against his girlfriend.

PAT SHARR

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259724

10500 block of West Colonial Drive. At about 6:15 p.m., an officer arrived to a large department store to follow up on a retail theft. An asset-protection officer informed the police officer two suspects selected merchandise, including a stuffed bear and children’s clothing, and concealed them in a black purse. The items totaled $39.60. Both suspects were found next to a bus stop near Health Central Hospital, arrested and charged with petit retail theft.

PR IC E

JAN. 3

16 Pine Key Court. At about 11:35 a.m., an officer responded to a call regarding a traffic crash. The officer was told the woman who caused the crash left the scene. Once the officer arrived, he spoke with the not-at-fault driver, who advised a pickup pulled in front of him and caused the crash. The collision caused the truck to roll over, and the female driver crawled out screaming, “My baby! My baby!” The baby was removed unharmed, but the female driver later begged the not-at-fault driver to avoid calling the police because she did not have a driver license and would go to jail. The not-at-fault driver refused, and

Pat Sharr Realty

HONEY STOP THE CAR!!! TAKE A LOOK AT THIS POOL/SPA HOME!!! Just freshly painted, nothing to do here but move in. This home is located in one of the sought after neighborhoods in Ocoee! Brookestone is a gated community and close to all major highways, shopping and schools. Open the front door step inside to the foyer, to the right is the formal dining room, straight ahead is the view through sliding glass doors of your sparkling pool/spa. Covered lanai with brick pavers and privacy fenced back yard. The kitchen features all the appliances, breakfast nook and breakfast bar, built in desk, large pantry and 42” cabinets.Inside Laundry room with washer and dryer which is staying, plus a 2 car garage with a laundry sink. Large family room with sliding glass doors leading to the large brick paver lanai. Master features an adjoining sitting area, master bath has jetted garden tub, separate shower and double vanities. 3 Way split bedroom plan with 2 of the guest bedrooms centered around the guest bath. The 4th bedroom is by itself with pool bath. Take a look at this beauty today!!! Asking Only $352,000.

D TE VA ! TI LER MOSEL

200 block of West Lafayette Street. An officer responded to a residence regarding reports of an unwanted guest in a home. The homeowner told the officer he was about to exit his home through the sliding door that leads to his front porch and was about to reach for the handle when the sliding door suddenly opened. The homeowner jerked the curtains back, which revealed a startled man standing on his front porch. The man jumped off the porch, and the homeowner asked the man, ‘What are you doing?’ The man mumbled an incoherent response and reached for a box cutter attached to his waistband. Seeing this, the homeowner tackled the man to the ground and struck him multiple times. The man got up and ran away, but left his bicycle and other items on his the homeowner’s property. The man was later located and charged with attempted burglary of an occupied structure.

the female driver left the scene. The female driver was later located and arrested.

NE W

JAN. 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

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OrangeObserver.com

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Ocoee center donates mats Crocheting a large sleeping mat can be labor-intensive, but for 15 to 20 women at the Wayne Densch YMCA in Orlando, the time investment was worth it as long it went toward a good cause. The women — all 55 and older — volunteered their time to crochet 21 waterproof sleeping mats using recycled plastic bags with the aid of the organization Volunteers for Community Impact. So far, 18 of the mats, which are meant to be used as a cushion between the ground and a sleeping bag, were donated to the Ocoee Christian Service Center, 300 W. Franklin St., with three more on the way. Since receiving the mats, the center has gifted five to homeless individuals in the area. “If we’re giving out bedding, you’d anticipate that there also is a need for the mats,” said Rosemary Wilsen, the center’s family emergency services coordinator. “Some of them tell you where they’re sleeping or that they’re homeless, and it’s how we determine who needs it. These mats are truly a labor of love, and sometimes, we just ask if it’s something they could use. But if they are sleeping on the ground, especially given how the weather has been, we’ll give them one.” The center, which has been in operation for more than 30 years, also provides clothing vouchers, serves free lunches six days a week at its location on Franklin Street and operates a food pantry and thrift shop that is open to the

Courtesy of Volunteers for Community Impact Bobbie Yeager is a volunteer who taught staff members from Volunteers at Community Impact how to crochet plastic bags into waterproof sleeping mats. The new skill quickly turned into a service project.

public. But the individuals who have received sleeping mats from the center have expressed heartwarming gratitude, Wilsen said. “They’re always very excited,” she said. “They seem very grateful. I always explain what they’re made of so that they understand the real value of the plastic that’s between them and the ground. These mats take quite some time to assemble. and it’s gratifying for us to know how excited the person is to get them.” Michelle Caibio, RSVP program manager of Volunteers for Community Impact in Orange County, said the mats took a little more than a month to complete. The whole idea was brought to the program by a volunteer named Bobbie Yeager, who taught four

staff members at Volunteers for Community Impact how to crochet the plastic into large mats. “We were thinking about a project we could take to these women who might not be able to get out and volunteer, as well as which organization we could partner with that would benefit most from these mats, and we thought of Rosemary (Wilsen) because her church already donates some to the center,” Caibio said. “But it’s very labor-intensive, and I think they’ve only done maybe two or three over the past few months. So being able to get her about 20 was a big deal for us — we were really happy we were able to do that.”

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ALSO INSIDE: Causing an Effect: Sunshine Kids Foundation. 10 Orlando Science Center: Flight Lab opening reception. 11

BLACK

TIE

ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

STAR-STUDDED

SUPPORT

The First & Goal Gala is adding to the NFL’s Pro Bowl weekend in Central Florida with a premier event that also benefits the Parramore Kidz Zone. DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR ORLANDO

magine this: You’re spending your evening enjoying a drink at the Citrus Club in downtown Orlando, surrounded by former and current NFL players during Pro Bowl weekend. However, that’s not all: While you’re enjoying your evening with the pros, you’re also supporting kids in the Parramore community and helping invest in brighter futures for them. Cue the First & Goal Gala, an event that combines an elegant evening with one of America’s biggest sports and ties the two together to raise funds for the Parramore Kidz Zone. PARRAMORE AND PKZ

Parramore is Orlando’s highestpoverty neighborhood; in fact, at the start of the 21st century, about 73% of children and youth lived below the poverty line, according to a case study from America’s Promise Alliance. The neighborhood’s high school, Jones, had received five consecutive Fs on its performance and held only a 66% graduation rate in the 2007-08 academic year. Additionally, the juvenile arrest rate in Parramore was 250% higher than the rate for Orlando overall, the study said. With so few resources available to the neighborhood’s children and teenagers, it was time to bring resources to them. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was elected in 2003 and, along with residents and othSEE FIRST PAGE 10

THE PROS These are some of the current and former NFL pros who will be in attendance at the First & Goal Gala: Nick Anderson Chris Doleman* William Floyd Santana Homes Ricky Jackson* Aaron Jones Bo Outlaw Lee Page John Randall* Rusty Russell Rob Samuelz Ricky Shaw Marquette Smith Darryl Talley Thurman Thomas* Barry Wagner Kellen Winslow* Jack Youngblood* *Denotes Pro Football Hall of Fame

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Sunshine Kids Foundation This month’s featured nonprofit is the Sunshine Kids Foundation. Each year, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services — Florida Realty hosts a Bad Pants Bash Gala locally to raise money for the Sunshine Kids Foundation. Although the event was rescheduled from last fall due to Hurricane Irma, the party will go on at the Rosen Shingle Creek from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. To learn more or purchase tickets, call (407) 876-2090 or visit sskorlando.com.

FUN FACT

There is something called a Sunshine Kids Pin, which was designed in 1982 for children to have a way of expressing love to their friends. It is a yellow sun to exemplify the sun’s positive, life-giving force, bright hope for the future and warmth. In the beginning, each pin was hand-pressed, painted and baked by the children.

Is there a fundraising goal for this year’s Bad Pants Bash Gala? About $30,000. But BHHS as a whole is usually able to contribute around $300,000 total per year.

File photo

What is the Sunshine Kids Foundation? “It’s an organization that supports children with cancer and gives them experiences to take away from their treatment,” said Dore Baratta, a real-estate agent with BHHS Florida. “It offers experience for kids throughout the United States. For the local kids in Orlando, it has events for them throughout the year at places (such as) Legoland and Dave & Buster’s. It just immerses them in fun things for that time period.” Specifically, Sunshine Kids adds quality of life to children with cancer by providing them with exciting, positive group activities so they can have fun and enjoy life.

How long has Sunshine Kids been around? The Sunshine Kids Foundation is based in Texas and was founded in 1982, thus celebrating its 36th anniversary this year. How many children has Sunshine Kids impacted? Thousands of children from hospitals across the country have had the opportunity to enjoy the Sunshine Kids Foundation’s many programs, events and benefits. How long has Berkshire Hathaway Home Services worked with Sunshine Kids? “Here in this area (Central Florida), I would say at least the last five years,” Baratta said. As a national company, BHHS has worked with Sunshine Kids for more than 25 years.

Why do you enjoy working with Sunshine Kids? “It’s the experience of seeing these kids happy and enjoying themselves,” Baratta said. “To have them have a break from everyday drama of what they go through medically (is great).” What can guests expect from the Bad Pants Bash Gala? “We have some very good signature drinks, but it’s a fun evening,” Baratta said. “There’s a great silent and live auction and we have an excellent deejay. It’s a great social and networking evening but in support of kids, with the opportunity to have a great time and give to the kids.” How can someone get involved? To view local fundraisers, learn more about Sunshine Kids, donate or get involved, visit sunshinekids.org/contactus.html to locate and contact your regional Sunshine Kids office. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

Causing an Effect is a monthly feature that introduces a charity or philanthropic organization and highlights its impact on the local community. If you would like to be featured in a future Causing an Effect, contact Black Tie Editor Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

First & Goal Gala CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

er elected officials, convened the Parramore Task Force and outlined key areas for improvement. Lisa Early, then the mayor’s director of children and education, worked on multiple pilot projects to find what would best reach the children and teenagers in the neighborhood. Finally, in 2006, Dyer worked with her to launch an official initiative called Parramore Kidz Zone, also known as PKZ. PKZ invests in projects such as quality early-childhood education; afterschool programs; programs that build family economic success; youth-development programs for teenagers; access to health care; mentoring; tutoring; and college-access assistance And it’s working, too. According to the city of Orlando, by 2015, program evaluators had documented a 61% decline in juvenile arrests, a 56% decline in teen pregnancies and a 38% decline in child-abuse cases in the neighborhood since PKZ started. Additionally, more than 70 PKZ youth are in college, and all of them are the first generation in their families to attend. PRO PARRAMORE

Andrae Bailey, CEO at Lead Homelessness and co-host of the First & Goal Gala, first came up with the idea when the NBA AllStar game came to Orlando. Bailey remembers there were many events surrounding the hype, but none geared toward the local community. “The event was started based on the Pro Bowl coming to Central Florida, and the idea that if it’s going to be here every year we’d love to have a local event for local leaders and folks that benefits a local charity,” Bailey said. “Last year, we did our inaugural event at the Citrus Club the night before the Pro Bowl and had about 500 attendees and 30 current and former NFL players.” Because both Bailey and Dyer share the same vision for alleviating homelessness and poverty, Bailey decided to ask Dyer to cohost last year’s event with him. This year, the two will co-host it once again. They first decided on PKZ as the ongoing event beneficiary because of the impact it has on the lives of local children.

IF YOU GO FIRST & GOAL GALA WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 WHERE: Citrus Club, 255 Orange Ave. No. 1800, Orlando COST: $95 per ticket Fewer than 300 tickets remain for this event and are selling quickly. WEBSITE: firstandgoalgala.com INFORMATION: cityoforlando.net/ parramorekidzzone

“PKZ is one of the organizations doing a lot of work in the inner city, helping those less fortunate with that hand up they need to build their future,” Bailey said. “For us, Orlando has grown into one of the most premier cities in America. We have so many blessings, if you will, and if in the midst of all the great things happening we can’t give back to those in need while celebrating our success, what does it mean? Having PKZ benefit from an event like the Pro Bowl coming to town, it’s a no-brainer.” The football-inspired gala is hosted at the Citrus Club in downtown Orlando and is an upscale party event with music, food, drinks, a silent auction and about 40 current and former NFL players — six of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame — in attendance. “You’ll get to come and have amazing food and hang out with some of the coolest people in Central Florida, but also rub shoulders with and get autographs from some of the greatest NFL players of all time,” Bailey said. Last year, the gala raised about $25,000 for PKZ, and Bailey hopes to raise more this year. “It’s not just about the game — it’s about how the community supports the game with all the other activities before and after,” he said. “The idea that this event is locally based, helps a local charity and adds to our attempt to having the most amazing Pro Bowl weekend the NFL has ever seen, it’s just very cool to be someone who has the opportunity to be a a part of it.”

Food Trucks & Movie in the Park Come enjoy this

NIGHT OUT on the third Friday of every month

MOVIES IN THE PARK

At Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Dr, Ocoee Food trucks 6 p.m.– 9 p.m.

Relax and spend your evenings watching blockbuster movies! The Friends of Ocoee History Preservation will give tours of the Withers-Maguire House from 6:00 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. Built in 1888, the historic house is located at 16 East Oakland Avenue, adjacent to Bill Breeze Park. Ocoee Parks and Recreation Dept. 407-905-3180 www.ocoee.org

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Orlando Science Center Flight Lab opening reception

BLACK

TIE

OrangeObserver.com

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Saturday, January 27 | 8 p.m.

Anthony Mickle and Lockheed Martin electrical lead engineer Sean Nelson showed off the FORTIS, an exoskeleton suit used to handle heavy machinery.

rlando Science Center sponsors and donors turned out for the official opening of the new Flight Lab exhibit Friday, Jan. 12. The opening, held on the first day of the annual Orlando Science Center tech expo Otronicon, featured a ribbon-cutting attended by members of the Office of Naval Research and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. After testing the flight lab’s simulations, guests headed down to the first floor for the Otronicon VIP reception, where they ate food, sipped wine and mingled. A squadron of stormtroopers, Jedi and Ewoks arrived later to take photos with the crowd. — HARRY SAYER

Jo Ann Newman, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Jerry Sullivan attended the ceremony.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

PET OF THE WEEK

The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change! Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This joyful musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles.

“Road Trip!”

If you would like your pet to be considered for the “Pet of the Week”... email your furry friend’s photo to: Contests@OrangeObserver.com

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

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‘Pump House Nocturne’ by Tom Sadler. Man’s interference with the natural landscape of Florida is demonstrated in a visually striking manner when one views the pump house on the northeast shoreline of Lake Apopka.

A partnership between three local groups has produced an exhibit that depicts the history and art of Lake Apopka. AMY QUESINBERRY

IF YOU GO “THE LAKE: A DOCUMENTARY” PREMIERE WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 WHERE: Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden

COMMUNITY EDITOR

A yearlong collaborative project is making its artistic debut at an opening reception that kicks off a three-month public display before traveling around the state. “The Lake: A Documentary” premiere event is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. The project comprises 10 pleinair painters and 14 photographers who, through their media, explore the land and people of Lake Apopka. Peter Schreyer, executive director of Crealdé School of Art in Winter Park and an award-winning photographer, orchestrated the project. He will speak at the reception. The artwork centers on decades of life around Lake Apopka and focuses on all aspects of the lake, from the farm workers and crop dusting to the lake’s pollution and resurrection.

The exhibit is the result of a partnership between Crealdé, the WGHF, the city of Winter Garden and the Winter Garden Library. “It was a pleasure to meet and talk with photographers and artists for their interpretation of what is around the lake,” Jim Crescitelli, program director for the WGHF, said. “It was a good way to get someone else’s impression through art.” He and former director Kay Cappleman wrote the history for each art piece. It is on display through April 25 at Winter Garden City Hall through its Art in Public Places program, 300 W. Plant St.; Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St.; and the heritage center. In April, the artwork will become part of a statewide traveling exhibit. Schreyer is proud of this project, which received grant support. He is presently contacting galleries around the state to inquire about

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DOCUMENTING THE LAKE

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

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Photo by Cynthia B. Slaughter

Departing from a dock in Montverde, Jim Peterson, Haley Carter and Paul Ek head out to inspect vegetation growing in Lake Apopka.

of Lake Apopka. “We got as many people as possible telling the story, good and bad,” Schreyer said. He was first drawn to the area through involvement with the farmworker community in the early 1990s as a documentary photographer, capturing the transition of the area from a rural character to a more suburban and industrial landscape. Working with young students from the farmworker community, he documented the last season of muck farming on Lake Apopka in “The Last Harvest: A Tribute to the Life and Work of the Lake Apopka Farmworkers,” a photography and oral history project produced in 1998 that continues to travel the state.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS n PAINTERS: Stephen Bach, Matthew Cornell, Cynthia Edmonds, Sally Evans, Martha Lent, Peter Pettegrew, Morgan Samuel Price, Tom Sadler, Donald Sondag and Barbara Tiffany n PHOTOGRAPHERS: Laura Barthle, Sherri Bunye, Natalie Colon, Ray Giles, Laurie Hagemaier, Jeff Kraus, Holly Manus, Matt Nicholson, Jennifer Pereira, Marsee Perkins, Audrey Rudolph, Peter Schreyer, Cynthia Slaughter and Kucku Varghese 259734

hosting the temporary exhibit. “We’re so really thrilled that it’s coming to Winter Garden because the project is about Winter Garden and the communities around the lake,” Schreyer said. “The reason for this project was to really document those communities and the land and the people around the lake at what I feel is a pivotal time,” he said. “There are so many changes happening in the communities around the lake; so much growth and development. The farms are gone, expressways are being built, developments are coming in. The communities that have been there for decades are rapidly disappearing. A lot of the old stuff won’t be there for long.” On the other hand, he said, the lake is becoming nationally known for birds and cycling. “It’s a reflection of the old and what is being done now and what is in the future,” Schreyer said. “It’s the full spectrum from around the lake. … We were trying to include aspects about the communities that cherish the small-town lifestyle, which I don’t know if that’s going to last: moms waiting for the school bus, a barber shop.” This is Crealdé’s first project that incorporates painting and oral history. All 10 painters produced one piece of art each reflecting their view of the lake. “It’s a really nice process and has portraits of young and old and families,” he said. A total of 45 black-and-white photographs taken by Crealdé students further tell the lake’s story. Digital and film cameras were used. The art school reached out to organizations for input, including the Farmworker Association of Florida, the St. Johns River Water Management District and Friends

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

her very public breakdown took place in a Disney store. In a suspiciously timely entrance, Marjory’s life is given a fresh look upon the arrival of an old friend whose life story affords some real name-dropping. One dirty martini later, and the comedy finds our leading lady … feeling? … something? There is not enough Charles Busch in Central Florida. Attend this “social/cultural event,” and we might even “feel” that thing called laughter. Call (407) 297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com.

JOSH GARRICK

Josh Garrick, a West Orange resident, is a fine-art photographer, writer and curator. He holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Columbia University. He was the first non-Greek artist in history to exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece. In Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer named June 27 as “Josh Garrick Day” in perpetuity.

‘RIMMA PLAYS MENDELSSOHN’

8 p.m. Jan. 20, at the Bob Carr Theater. The Orlando Philharmonic calls upon the combined talents of three superstar musicians as violinist Rimma Bergeron-Langlois joins Conductor Eric Jacobsen in a program that begins with a world premiere by composer Stella Sung. Bergeron-Langlois, who holds the Steinmetz Concertmaster Chair for the Orlando Philharmonic, comes from the Ukraine and made her first public appearance on Ukrainian national television when she was 6. While studying in Boston, she was also a soloist and competition winner with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. Bergeron-Langlois has performed with most of the world’s great conductors, including James Levine, Valery Gergiev, Zubin Mehta, Charles Dutoit, Mstislav Rostropovich, EsaPekka Salonen, Michael Tilson Thomas, Maxim Vengerov, Seiji Ozawa, Dmitry Sitkovetsky and,

‘THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE’

Jan. 19 to Feb. 18, at Mad Cow Theatre. From the twisted, comic mind of Charles Busch, Mad Cow offers us a straightup, Manhattan comedy with a mid-life crisis at the heart of the play. Leading lady Marjory Taub lives a dramatically opulent life in which she yearns to study philosophy but is stuck picking out chandeliers. Her luxuriously depressing life is spent moving from the right social/cultural event to the next feeling slightly older but dressed in designer chic, and her intellectual aspirations include name-dropping Kafka, Rimbaud and Hesse. Did I mention her unpublished novel in which both Plato and Helen Keller are characters? But now, she faces a real crisis — her favorite therapist has died, and

Courtesy photo

Violinist Rimma Bergeron-Langlois joins Conductor Eric Jacobsen Jan. 20, at the Bob Carr Theater.

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Courtesy photo

The “Riverdance: 20th Anniversary Tour,” will be performed Jan. 26, 27 and 28, at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts.

now, Eric Jacobsen. BergeronLanglois will be featured in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, a work treasured by musicians and audiences alike. The program concludes with Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra. Call (407) 770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org.

‘RIVERDANCE: 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR’

Jan. 26, 27 and 28, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The internationally renowned Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in “Riverdance: The 20th Anniversary World Tour,” presented by Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando. Drawing on Irish traditions, the performers bring Irish dance and music into the present day for audiences of all ages and cultures in a spectacle of dance, music and song The Washington Times called, “A phenomenon of historic proportions.” Rooted in baroque-influenced traditional Irish music augmented with a rock rhythm section of electric bass, drums and horns, of all the performances to emerge from Ireland, nothing has carried the energy and sensuality of Riverdance. Since opening in Dublin, the show has been seen by more than 25 million people, making it one of the most successful dance productions in the world. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER — A MAGICAL THREEDAY EVENT

Jan. 26, 27 and 28, at Universal Orlando. It’s three days of magic as Harry Potter fans from around the world come together to explore “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Along with Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and the Escape from Gringotts, fans will ride the Hogwarts Express between King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure as guests and their new best friends become a part of this magical three-day event. Presented by Warner Brothers and Universal Orlando, there will be film talent Q&A sessions featuring Stanislav Yanevski (Viktor Krum), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and more. There also will be star-enhanced panel discussions, demonstrations and new surprises at Universal Orlando. Some events are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to sign up for email updates by visiting universalorlando.com to find the “Celebration of Harry Potter Vacation Package.”

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN’S AMERICAN PROMISE TOUR

7 p.m. Jan. 29, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Former Vice President Joe Biden’s new bestseller, “Promise Me, Dad,” chronicles 2015 — the most challenging year in Biden’s life and career. For 12 months, Biden balanced his responsibilities to his country and his family while his son, Beau, battled brain cancer. At the same time, he was being pushed to seek the presidency in 2016. Biden allows readers to feel the urgency of both roles, experiencing days when he felt unable to move, as well as those when he felt unable to stop. “I’ve traveled around the country to share the story of my son, Beau, and I’ve been incredibly touched by countless stories of resilience and hope that people have shared with me — stories of enormous loss, and yet, in defiance of that loss, they get up every morning and summon the strength to live a life of purpose,” he said. During his tour, Biden discusses his career, the life-altering choices he was forced to make and the life lessons that helped him through the challenges. Tickets for the talk include a copy of his book, and VIP tickets also are available. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Ocoee angler reels in 11-pound bass “Captain” Mike Iglesias battled the large bass in Prairie Lake for 10 minutes as he worked to reel it in.

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a blessing, actually, to have the higher water levels.” Eventually, Iglesias would like to start a lure-manufacturing company, get into a boat to fish offshore with live bait and even get into tournament fishing. His new goal is to hit a bass of at least 13 pounds. But until then, he continues to focus on what he loves — the art of fishing. “When I get out to the lake, it’s a completely different atmosphere,” he said. “You’re aware of the surroundings, you see, for instance, when fish aren’t biting and see birds swooping down on fish. You use those signals and clues. I enjoy looking for the clues and the peace and quiet that comes with fishing. You see all the variety of wildlife that the lake can sustain, and to me, that’s just amazing.”

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Ocoee resident “Captain” Mike Iglesias is proud of his trophy catch, a largemouth bass that weighed nearly 11 pounds — his personal best.

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When Mike Iglesias cast his line — equipped with an artificial frog lure — into Prairie Lake during a recent December sunset, he didn’t expect to put up a fight with a bass for 10 minutes. And he certainly didn’t expect it to be a nearly 11-pound trophy catch — his personal best. But that’s exactly the situation that Iglesias, an Ocoee resident, was in Dec. 2, 2017, as he worked to reel in a largemouth bass. “(There was) one large strike at the frog, and the bass missed it,” Iglesias said. “I threw it back and saw the huge monster head come out of the water, with one big black eye like a marble, and it inhaled the frog and went back down. When I pulled back on that rod, it just bent down all the way to the water. It was the biggest fish I ever hooked.” Iglesias, who also goes by “Captain Mike” and has a YouTube channel called The Angry Bass, was out that evening to fish in the low-light conditions. It’s one of the best times to fish top water, he said, because fish can’t see the bait as well. He eyed a spot on the north shore of the lake, which was being occupied by another fisherman. After the other man gave up on the spot, Iglesias walked over and cast his line 40 yards out into open water, between two lily pads. It wasn’t much longer until the bass struck and he got to spend 10 minutes fishing to bring it in.

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“You don’t know how big they are and to get to feel that fight,” he said. “It was an amazing adrenaline rush, to say the least. … That’s the goal of every bass fisherman, is targeting larger bass. I never had a fish pull that hard and strong. … The most exciting point in my short fishing career is catching a fish that large. … To be able to do that after concentrating (on fishing) in the last three years is incredible.” He’s previously registered some eight-pound bass he has caught, but this one — weighing in at close to 11 pounds — was truly his biggest trophy catch to date. As per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s catch-and-release program, he documented his catch and released it back into the lake. Iglesias wasn’t always an angler. He first got into it when his brother-in-law introduced him to bass fishing in 1980. He fished sporadically, but the bass were always a mystery to him. After starting a business and having children, the hobby got away from him until three years ago. That’s when he started watching the pros and studying everything he could to target large bass. He dedicates much of his free time to fishing and perfecting his own techniques at Prairie Lake and Lake Florence. “Thankfully because of the hurricane, it’s filled these lakes to a higher level of water than I’ve seen in years,” he said. “These bigger fish are easier to target and coming in to the shore for food. It’s been

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Winter Garden Art Association 4th Annual Fundraising Gala

Mosaic Church plans ‘Serve the City’ conference

Friday, February 16th, 6:30pm - 10pm

The two-day conference will bring Christians together to discuss justice and mercy.

IF YOU GO SERVE THE CITY WHEN: Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 and 27 WHERE: Mosaic Church, 14175 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden TICKETS: $60 for general admission and $25 for students. WEBSITE: servethecityconference.com

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Join us for a magical night under the stars at the Winter Garden Pavilion while helping to raise funds for the Arts. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, live music and live art demonstrations. Silent and Live Auction. Only $85 individual tickets Sponsorships and reserved tables also available.

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As many as 400 people are expected at the Serve the City conference being hosted later this month by Mosaic Church. The two-day program is open to the community, including members, lay leaders and pastors from Central Florida churches, as well as leaders from various local nonprofit organizations. Serve the City will take place Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 and 27, at Mosaic, which recently moved into its new location, 14175 W. Colonial Drive, in the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center. Participants will learn about transforming the local community through works of justice and mercy, said Renaut van der Riet, Mosaic’s lead pastor, and will be given tools to help make the change. Thee will be three main sessions with worship and keynote speakers, plus 29 different breakout sessions on Saturday afternoon. Keynote speakers include van der Riet; Jason Johnson, director of church ministry initiatives at Christian Alliance for Orphans; Eddy Moratin, executive director of Lift Orlando; Brian Fikkert, founder and executive director of Chalmers Center; Pastor David

Jacques, founder and senior pastor of The Kingdom Church; Dr. Joel Hunter, chairman of Community Resource; Pastor Cameron Triggs of Grace Alive Church; and Pastor Tim Johnson, president of Orlando Serve Foundation; as well as Pastor Gabriel Salguero, Jaime and Tami Kent and Pastor Michael Aitcheson. The breakout panelists and presenters are non-profit and business leaders who actively serve the needs of the local community. Van der Riet is anticipating a large and eager crowd. “Expect to be inspired and equipped to make a real impact in our city,” he said. “You will be connected to the leaders and organizations on the front lines of justice and mercy issues like fighting for the abolition of human trafficking, alleviating poverty and homelessness, helping immigrants and refugees, caring for orphans and vulnerable children, restoring and reintegrating our prison population and engaging in racial justice and racial reconciliation.”

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JANUARY 18, 2018

HIGH

SPORTS

West Orange baseball coach resigns after 13 seasons West Orange Athletic Director Jerry Shafer confirmed Jesse Marlo’s resignation Jan. 12. The veteran coach had a 272-97 record spanning 13 seasons with the Warriors. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

File photo

Jesse Marlo took over the baseball program at West Orange in 2005.

The CFCA Eagles boys basketball team defeated Ocoee 6528 Jan. 15. A recap and photo gallery are available at ObserverPreps.com.

Former West Orange standout quarterback Woody Barrett has committed to continue his career at Kent State. After spending a year at Auburn University out of high school, Barrett most recently played for Copiah-Lincoln Community College last fall.

The West Orange girls basketball team scored an important district victory Jan. 10 against Wekiva. The Warriors defeated the Mustangs 69-54. A video highlight is available at ObserverPreps.com.

Foundation Academy senior Eddie Loos had a strong outing as part of the BlueGrey All-American Bowl. Loos recorded six tackles, two tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Ocoee High’s Samantha Jefferson placed first in her weight class (183 pounds) at girls weightlifting districts last week. Jefferson recorded a 225-pound bench press and a 175-pound clean-and-jerk. CORRECTION: An article in the Jan. 4 edition of the West Orange Times & Observer — “Bullish on baseball” — stated that Windermere Little League has a dual-charter, but the league was changed to a single charter in November 2017. The article also stated Winter Garden Little League had previously not offered softball. Since 2012, girls zoned for Winter Garden Little League have been able to play softball at Windermere Little League through an exception that combined the two league’s borders for softball only. We regret the errors.

Caroline Schmitt is one of the hardest workers on the West Orange girls wrestling team. Page 18.

After 13 seasons as the head coach of the West Orange baseball team, Jesse Marlo has stepped down. West Orange Athletic Director Jerry Shafer confirmed Jan. 12 that Marlo had resigned to focus on his other roles, including as a coach with the Power Baseball travel organization. He will remain on

the faculty at West Orange. “With (Marlo) resigning, we want to thank him and wish him the best of luck,” Shafer said. “He’s done a lot of great things and put West Orange baseball on the map.” Under Marlo, the Warriors have been ranked nationally several times and have a record of 272-97 during his 13 seasons at the helm. Since his arrival in 2005, West

Orange has won six district championships — including four consecutive titles from 2008 to 2011 — in addition to six Metro Conference titles and seven appearances in the regional playoffs. The team advanced to the FHSAA Final Four for the first time in program history in 2016. As for alumni, more than 50 Warriors since 2005 have gone on to play college baseball, and several others have played professionally in some capacity. Two former players currently in the minors have made it to the Major SEE MARLO PAGE 18

A new day for the

Knights New Ocoee High football coach Aaron Sheppard is hoping to reinvigorate a Knights program boasting young talent on its roster and a hunger to win. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Aaron Sheppard only has been on campus at Ocoee High for a little more than a week, but already the new football coach for the Knights has noticed something about the group of student-athletes he has inherited. “They want to win, man,” Sheppard said last week. “They’re hungry — they’re tired of getting beat and they’re going to work SEE SHEPPARD PAGE 18 Steven Ryzewski

Aaron Sheppard played his own high-school football at Miami’s Coral Reef High and then played collegiately at Bethune-Cookman.

West Orange’s Usie bows out on top After coaching the Warriors to their first volleyball state title, Ross Usie has stepped down. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

West Orange High’s volleyball coach has gone out on top. Ross Usie, the coach of the Warriors for the past seven years — most recently coaching West Orange to an undefeated state championship run, for which he was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year — con-

firmed last week he has stepped down. Usie, who recently married, works as a design instructor for Orange Technical College and also coaches club volleyball for Top Select. He is looking to carve out some more free time and focus on starting a family. “I thought about it before the season, not that I was going to leave before the season, but that I thought, ‘I’m starting to wrap up my high-school coaching career — let’s see how this year goes, and I’ll determine from there,’” Usie said. Following that, things went about as well as possible. West Orange went 29-0 and finished

the 2017 season ranked as the No. 4 team in the nation by the MaxPreps Xcellent 25. The Warriors won the program’s first state championship Nov. 18 with a sweep of Palm Beach Gardens at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville. “It wasn’t, ‘I have to win a state championship, and then I’m done,’” Usie said. “It was never that … being able to go out on top is something I could never have dreamed of.” Now, Athletic Director Jerry Shafer begins the task of trying to replace the top coach in the state from 2017. “He’s going to be a tough coach SEE USIE PAGE 18

Steven Ryzewski

Ross Usie was the coach of the year in Florida last fall.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER