01.23.20 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 5, NO. 17

HARDWOOD HEROICS

FREE

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DP grad Michael James Scott is pure magic. 13. THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Grape minds think alike Organizers expect the 2020 Windermere Wine & Dine to raise $250,000 — all for charity. PAGE 3.

IN THEIR WHEELHOUSE Windermere girls basketball get big win over West Orange. SEE PAGE 17.

How to help your teen grieve

The Windermere Cars & Coffee event attracts car enthusiasts from throughout Southwest Orange. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

Following the death of Windermere High School student Zachariah Michael Wade, 17, parents still should be on the lookout for signs of grieving. Many Windermere High students still may be dwelling on the recent tragedy, but it’s important to understand everyone has their own timeSEE GRIEVING PAGE 4 PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Postal Customer

Work resumes on bridge over Butler Chain canal

BRANCHING OUT

Resources are available for grieving students following the recent death of a Windermere High School student.

A contractor recently completed the frame for the bridge, which was approved back in 2018 and will service two residential lots. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Tree climbers competed for top positions at Windermere’s annual Treebute event. SEE 8.

Following the installation of a new bridge frame between Pocket and Fish lakes, neighbors are sharing concerns regarding its height and searching for more

details regarding the properties it will service. The bridge is located on the south end of the Butler Chain of Lakes canal between the two lakes in Dr. Phillips, right near Pocket Lane. SEE BRIDGE PAGE 5

YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, JAN. 23

DOWNSIZING IN FIVE EASY STEPS 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Discover steps that make downsizing easier to manage. Registration recommended by calling Mike Flahaven at (407) 340-5291 or visit yourfloridahaven.com. QUIT SMOKING NOW PROGRAM 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 23 through Feb. 13, at Orlando Health Dr. Phillips Hospital, 9400 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. Tobacco Free Florida offers free tools and services to get participants started. Free nicotine replacement patches, gum and lozenges. Free community, worksite and clinic groups are offered. Register at (877) 252-6094. THE ART OF MEAL PREP 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – Horizon West, 17000 Porter Road, Suite 204, Winter Garden. Join registered dietitian Lisa Cooper to learn about planning menus, preparing meals and providing nutritious options. Class is free. Call (407) 407-3046 to reserve a seat.

FRIDAY, JAN. 24

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

LET’S EMBROIDER LEVEL 1 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Start hand embroidery today. Learn the basics of using a hoop and needles to create running, back and cross stitches to create a beautiful sampler. (407) 835-7323.

ZOO ZEN 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. It’s time for an introduction to yoga with zoo animals and friends! Learn fun movements as you go on a wild and magical journey full of movement and stories. Recommended for preschoolers. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25

WINDERMERE WINE & DINE 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Windermere’s Town Hall and terrace, 520 Main St. This annual event is held outside under the stars and beautiful tree canopy with music and dancing all night. Sample wines and food pairings from many of Central Florida’s finest eateries. The event will be held rain or shine. While this year’s event currently is sold out, you can join the waitlist should more tickets become available. Visit windermerewineanddine.com.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29

HEALTHCARE QUESTIONS WEBINAR: WHY ISN’T MY DOCTOR LISTENING TO ME? Noon Wednesday, Jan. 29, online at ohlearn.adobeconnect. com/mydoctor. Participants must log in and click “Meeting” then “Audio Setup Wizard” then “Next.” For information, call (321) 841-7234 or email jessica. Daly@OrlandoHealth.com. SAFETY WORKSHOP 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Summerport Clubhouse, 14501 Bluebird Park Road, Windermere. The Horizon West Alliance is hosting a 4 Party safety workshop. The Orange County Sheriff’s

Office will present Stranger Danger tips, a safety update, sector redistricting update and free mental health resources. Trained professionals will assist with self-care and self-defense tips. Free.

THURSDAY, JAN. 30

FUEL, FUN, FITNESS 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. What are the best foods to eat to fuel your body before a fun workout? Get ready, eat a snack and get active. Recommended for lower and upper elementary. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, JAN. 31

WEST ORANGE CHAMBER BIG ORANGE AWARDS 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Lake Buena Vista. The 2019 Small Business of the Year and Big Business of the Year awards will be announced at the ceremony. For ticket information, call the chamber at (407) 656-1304. WRITING WORKSHOP WITH NIC STONE 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Aspiring writers ages 11 to 18 can meet New York Times best-selling author Nic Stone as she presents this special writing workshop with tips to improve writing. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

Snacks, music, crafts and more inspired by the world of Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems. Recommended for all ages. (407) 835-7323.

tour to learn how to navigate the aisles and make the healthiest choices for the family. Space is limited; RSVP required at (407) 407-3046.

TUESDAY, FEB. 4

SATURDAY, FEB. 8

CAR SEAT SAFETY 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Certified technicians from Safe Kids Orange County will be available to check car seats on a first-come, first-served basis. (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, FEB. 6

RETIRED EDUCATORS TO MEET 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St., Orlando. The February program is the annual potluck luncheon and 90-plus birthday celebration. Members are invited to bring a side dish to share. (407) 843-6909; ocrea-fl.org.

ANGEL PAWS TO READ 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Practice your reading skills by reading aloud to a lovable, furry listener. Be An Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry presents this reading program for children featuring certified therapy dogs. (407) 538-3124.

FRIDAY, FEB. 7

GROCERY STORE TOUR 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at a local grocery store to be announced. Do you know which foods are the healthiest choices? Do you know what to look for on a food label? Join an Orlando Health dietitian for a grocery store

STEVEN UNIVERSE SPECTACULAR 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Courtesy Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program helps provide economically disadvantaged adults with the training needed to launch a career in the food industry.

BEYOND TOWN BORDERS Windermere Wine & Dine’s growth has enabled the event to impact the Central Florida community at large.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

or seven years now, Windermere Wine & Dine has grown exponentially — and this year, it sold out within five minutes. Originally created as a fundraiser to benefit Windermere Elementary School’s Mustang Education Fund and other town committees and organizations, the event has become a staple in the town. It consistently sells out, and each year the proceeds multiply. Windermere Wine & Dine raised $35,000 its first year, said event chair and founder C.T. Allen. With the event now in its seventh year, Allen said the Windermere Wine & Dine Saturday, Jan. 25, is expected to raise $250,000. “We’ve become this entity that everyone wants to be a part of, which is great,” Allen said. “Our town has embraced it. I’m overwhelmed by the people who are coming out of the woodworks and saying, ‘If you need me, I’m here.’ This year we have the most sponsors we’ve ever had. … It’s a quality event but they’ve also seen what we do after the event, and to me, that’s the message.” Allen added that while the event has been successful, it’s what happens the rest of the year that really matters — giving back. With the explosive growth and

level of success Windermere Wine & Dine enjoys, Allen and her event committee knew it was time to expand the beneficiaries beyond the town’s borders. Within the last two years, the committee established its “Wine & Dine Outreach Grants,” which come with a mission to help children and families throughout Central Florida. “Over the last couple of years, we started to expand outside the town borders and we did $20,000 to the Title I Schools in the West Learning District (in 2019),” Allen said. “When we did that, we got a lot of great comments and that’s what created more people coming on with the silent auction. We also wrote the $50,000 grant to the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness last year.” In total, the committee was able to distribute more than $200,000 in grants last year. This year, the two main organizations chosen as recipients of an outreach grant are Family Promise of Greater Orlando and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s culinary training program. According to its website, Family Promise helps families overcome the crisis of homelessness by meeting the emergency need for shelter and meals, providing access to permanent housing and providing case management services to help families get back on

their feet. Windermere Wine & Dine will award $50,000 to Family Promise. “We … like the organizations that have an end goal — it’s not just giving food to somebody, it’s getting them stabilized and (promoting) sustainability,” Allen said. “Family Promise is a phenomenal organization.” The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program, according to its website, “provides qualified, at-risk and economically disadvantaged adults with the culinary and life-skills training needed to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry.” The organization will receive $25,000 from the event. However, the committee took it a step further: On the night of the event, eight restaurants will act as mentors to eight of the culinary program trainees. The trainees will gain invaluable experience while working the event under the tutelage of seasoned chefs. “I thought, ‘This is so great,’” Allen said. “This is our inaugural year (for the mentorship) — I would love for it to have legs and keep doing it in the future. These trainees will arrive on site about 2:30 p.m., we will introduce them, and they will be mentored that night from the experts. You can’t beat that training, especially at an outside event like this.”

The community outreach doesn’t stop there, though. Windermere Wine & Dine also will benefit the Windermere Police Foundation and other local nonprofits and organizations. Currently in the works is a $10,000 sensory room for ESE students at Gotha Middle School. And in December, the committee bought 18 $1,000 Amazon gift cards for schools in Orange County Public Schools’ West Learning District to help them stock their food pantries. Allen added that the Windermere Active Youth Committee will be receiving $5,000 from the event committee to help launch its youth program. In exchange, the teenagers involved volunteered to string lanyards and wash about 1,200 wine glasses the night before the event. “Everybody is bringing something to the plate,” Allen said of her committee and community members. “They’re not all just my ideas. Everybody comes and shares. The sensory room, that’s a game changer. It’s what we’ve created together. How (the event) has grown has been organic and we’ve gotten better and better every year, but we’ve gotten more thoughtful every year on how to spend the money. “We’ve proved that we’re good stewards of the dollars and where we’re going to place them,” she said. “I have fun doing the event — it is joyful — but this definitely brings it home when we’re able to write checks like this. Everybody enjoys it.”

Reported armed robbery in Horizon West unfounded Orange County detectives determined a juvenile wasn’t robbed at gunpoint in the Summerlake neighborhood. TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

An alleged armed robbery of a juvenile earlier this month in the Summerlake community never happened, according to detectives from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a statement released Wednesday, Jan. 15, the detectives determined that the case was unfounded and no crime took place. The update came a few days after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, in reference to

an armed robbery along the 7500 block of Purple Finch Street. A juvenile victim reportedly was robbed at gunpoint while walking through the Summerlake neighborhood in Horizon West. According to the original statement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the juvenile was walking when a vehicle approached her and a suspect told the victim to get in the car at gunpoint. After the victim entered the car, the suspect

drove a short distance, demanded property and told the victim to get out of the car. The victim suffered no injuries, according to the statement. Public Information Officer Michelle Guido said no action will be taken against the juvenile. “Detectives in this case are not looking to charge this victim with anything,” Guido said. “That could be done, based on the discretion of the deputy and their chain of com-

mand. Some of that might have to do with the intentions of the person who made the false report.” Unfounded cases do impact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office though, as they use up resources, Guido said. “It’s true that resources are spent in all these types of cases,” she said. “In this case, no one is looking to pursue any criminal charges against the reporting party.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

An automobile obsession

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.”

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

A car craze is alive and well in the Windermere area. Just ask Arnold Kay. The Windermere area resident and car enthusiast hosted his latest exotic car event — dubbed Windermere Cars & Coffee after the car event trend based out of California — Sunday, Jan. 19, outside of Le Cafe De Paris off Dr. Phillips Boulevard. The gathering was Kay’s largest yet — with more than 300 vehicles pulling into the plaza for curious residents and car lovers alike to enjoy. The free event offers a mix of vehicles as unique and diverse as the people who drive them — from multi-million dollar sports cars to classic rides from the muscle car era. Kay has loved cars ever since he was a child. He remembers trying to play with his father’s die-cast car collection during his earliest years. “What’s above passion?” Kay said. “Obsession? Cars in the best possible way are almost an obsession to me. I love vehicles.” Kay launched the Windermere event in April 2018 with a small gathering of around 15 to 20 cars in The Grove Orlando off Conroy Windermere Road. The event has been held every two months since then and has grown in increments of about 30 cars with each meet. The event saw so much growth that it had to be moved to a larger space — Windermere Cars & Coffee had its first event in the Le Cafe De Paris plaza in January 2019. It’s been there ever since. DREAMING BIG

Dr. Phillips resident Michael Senich pulled into the plaza Sunday in his black 2010 Corvette ZR1, which he just bought four months ago. “It’s really cool to see everybody

LEARN MORE To learn more about Windermere Cars & Coffee, visit its Facebook page, facebook.com/ WindermereCC.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com

Tim Freed

Elaine and Dave Moucatel turned back the clock with their 1967 Mercury Cougar.

just come together as a community and just really enjoy and respect everybody’s cars,” Senich said of the event. “It’s like a brotherhood — everybody just gets together and talks cars. It’s just a really fun event.” Just a couple rows over in the parking lot, Windermere area residents Dave and Elaine Moucatel sit in purple fold-up chairs that match their 1967 Mercury Cougar. The name of the color? Plum Crazy — a paint made by Chrysler. Dave Moucatel said events such as these are great for families to see some rare and classic cars. “I think the older cars are a plus because they’re going away eventually,” he said. “We go to a lot of car shows. As long as it doesn’t rain, we’re there.” Just a few feet away, an orange 2019 Lamborghini Huracán Spyder with purple trim belonging to Dr. Phillips resident Natalie Citarelli is on display for everyone to see. “It’s cool for kids — they get to dream big, and it’s nice to see the culture,” she said. “It also makes people network and talk and see that they have things in common.” Citarelli said she’s the first to admit it — there aren’t many

Grieving insight CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

line for grief, said Jesse Radloff, a licensed mental health counselor and care coordinator at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital. “It’s important to remember that it’s OK to grieve in the student’s own way and their own time,” Radloff said. “It’s important to not hide from it. Acknowledge that it happened. Everyone grieves a little differently and on a little bit of a different time scale from person to person. Where someone it might immediately hit them, for others it could take several days, a couple weeks before it really kind of bubbles up to the surface. Keep an eye out — be

RESOURCE A social worker is available to talk with any Windermere High School students in need. For more information, contact the school’s front office at (407) 347-0980.

aware, be available and be open.” Even if a student wasn’t friends with whoever lost their life, the ordeal can still impact them, Radloff said. “They could have other friends (who) knew them or just something about whatever the circumstances that happened could strike a chord and then that reminds (them) of something in their own past that they haven’t necessarily completely reconciled with,” he said. “One of the worst things you could do is tell a child, ‘No, you didn’t know this person. You weren’t friends, so what are you talking about?’ … That’s the absolute wrong thing to do.” Radloff also noted the brains of teenagers and young adults aren’t as developed in terms of processing future consequences and possible outcomes. “It can be a big shock having such a graphic illustration of, ‘We’re all going to die,’” he said. “It’s something adults are uncomfortable with — most

women driving their own sports at these kinds of events. She made it a point to break that trend and buy a car that fits her personality. “I do a lot of speaking engagements on embracing women’s independence — to me this was an empowering thing for me to buy the car,” she said. “People assume automatically that only guys drive super cars.” Sunday’s event gave locals plenty of time to make friends, connect and talk cars. It’s amazing to see, Kay said. “It’s very fulfilling on a personal level and on an emotional level — emotional in the sense that this is a passion, an obsession,” Kay said. “A lot of people also bring their kids here. I have a son, and he’s obsessed with cars. … These kids see these cars on Top Gear or ‘The Grand Tour’ or in a magazine or on the internet — a lot of them probably didn’t think they’d see these $4 million to $5 million cars like the McLaren P1 or the LaFerrari in the flesh. “It’s like seeing a unicorn,” Kay said. Someday, he hopes to host a concourse-style car event in downtown Windermere.

“It’s very fulfilling on a personal level and on an emotional level — emotional in the sense that this is a passion, an obsession.” — Arnold Kay

A SONG IN OUR HEARTS According to the obituary published by Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, 17-year-old Zachariah Michael Wade was a musician who “loved bringing people joy through his music.” He led the clarinet section as first chair for the Windermere High School Marching Band and received many Superior ratings for both his ensemble and solo performances. He even was invited to play with the Florida Symphonic Youth Orchestra, along with the All-County and All-State Bands. A National Merit Finalist, Wade also excelled in academics. He completed his first year of college before even graduating high school through

everyone has, on some level, some discomfort around the subject of death and to have that come up in your peer group can definitely be a bit of a shock.” Some students also may go into denial, Radloff said, where they know in their head that the death

advanced placement classes and attending Valencia College as a dual-enrollment student. Zachariah is survived by his parents, Jeremy and Kelly Wade; siblings Cassidy, Andrew and Meredith Wade; grandparents, Wendy Rawls and Connie and Michael Wade; aunts and uncles Albert and Julie TapiaRuano, Amy and Michael Fernandez, and Gabriel and Ginger Hamlett; as well as cousins Stephen (Sara), Kristen (Jay), Kaitlyn, Hannah, Daniel, Paige, Nicholas, Michael, Joshua, Grace, Grant, Gavin and Giselle. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Frank Ernest Rawls Junior.

took place but they just won’t think about it. Parents and teachers should remind students that they are always available to talk — and students should look out for one another, Radloff said.

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The Southwest Orange Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Southwest Orange Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 6562121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Bridge progress causes concern CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tion plans ap-

Catherine Murphy and her husband, Bill, have lived on Pocket Lane in between the two lakes for 25 years. Murphy said she noticed the bridge frame was installed on Jan. 7. County documents show the bridge is designed to span the distance from the uplands on the Pocket Lane side to the upland portion of the applicant’s property. The bridge lies within the public right-of-way, according to the county, and will serve and allow access to two single-family residential lots on the opposite side of the canal. However, the installation of the bridge and proposed plans have surrounding neighbors confused. Catherine Murphy said they bought their home in 1995 under the impression the area west of them couldn’t be developed because of wetlands. In September 2018, however, they noticed survey stakes going up. “We found survey stakes down at the end of Pocket Lane near the canal,” she said. “We were concerned about what was happening in front of our house and … the fact that someone was planning to purchase and build across the canal on the other side, which was considered — when we bought this property — as wetlands and you couldn’t develop it. Of course, all the neighbors got involved when they started to see the fencing go up for construction purposes.” According to county documents, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved May 22, 2018, a license agreement with Hark Associates LLC. This agreement permitted the installation of a bridge over the Pocket Lake canal and related improvements, subject to specific terms and conditions. Catherine Murphy said she and her neighbors noticed the construction fencing, Dumpsters and a portable toilet being brought into the Pocket Lane area in early September 2018. However, she said she and her neighbors were not notified by the county in writing of the project. The contractor and Orange County Public Works sent representatives to discuss the project with neighbors in September 2018, she said. The County Commission was not required by Part IV of Chapter 33 of the Orange County Code — the Windermere Water and Navigation Control District regulations — to hold a public hearing or to send notices to owners of property within 500 feet before approving the license agreement to allow the bridge to be constructed. In an October 2019 letter to the

proved for the bridge indicate a navigation clearance of 10.1 feet, which is higher than four of the five existing bridges/crossings on the lake chain.” District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey

Call for information (407) 654-2724

sensiblehealthcare.net

presidents of the nearby Turtle Creek and Bella Isles homeowners associations, Deputy County Administrator Chris Testerman stated the BCC was not required by Orange County Code to hold a public hearing or send notices. He added in the letter there are five other bridges or crossings extending over canals in various parts of the Butler Chain of Lakes, and a public hearing was neither required nor held for any to them. The bridge in question lies within public right-of-way. Thus, site work commenced in October 2018 and ceased for a few months between December 2018 and June. It began again in

August, and the bridge frame was installed earlier this month. The neighbors said they are concerned the bridge’s height — just more than 10 feet above the water — could impact vessel navigation. County documents state the information submitted determined the bridge spans over the width of the canal at a sufficient clearance height. “The construction plans approved for the bridge indicate a navigation clearance of 10.1 feet, which is higher than four of the five existing bridges/crossings on the lake chain,” District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey wrote in a Sept. 9 email to the Murphys.

“I think the biggest (concern) is going to be what’s going to happen across the way and how that’s going to affect our filtration system,” Catherine Murphy said. VanderLey added the South Florida Water Management District has found the Pocket Lane improvements — including the widening, bridge installation and cul-de-sac construction — comply with water quality standards and are consistent with Florida’s coastal management program. Inquiries seeking comment from VanderLey were not returned before press time.

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“The construc-

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

HORIZON WEST POP-UP LIBRARY SCHEDULE

LIBRARY SYSTEM PLANNING HORIZON WEST BRANCH

Pop-up library programs take place at the Waterleigh Community Clubhouse, 16150 Pebble Bluff Loop, Winter Garden. n ZERO TO FIVE STORY TIME, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 5 and March 19. This program, recommended for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, offers the rhythm and repetition of nursery rhymes and the use of picture books, songs and flannel board stories. Lasts about 25 minutes. n PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME – BILINGUAL, 6 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 5 and March 12. This six-week reading and discussion program promotes conversation between children and families. Meals will be provided. Call (407) 835-7323. n TO BE A DRUM CELEBRATION, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Enjoy a storytelling performance of “To Be a Drum,” by Evelyn Coleman. Register at (407) 835-7323. n BIG IDEA BUBBLE SHOW, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7. Learn about reflection, refraction, surface tension and more from shimmering waves of soap films to rainbow bubbles and other bubbles of all shapes and sizes. Register at (407) 8357323. n DISCOVER MATH & SCIENCE, presented by Michelee Puppets, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. Explore the seasons, shapes and surprises in the world, explore math concepts and be transported into a world of imagination. Register at (407) 835-7323.

Amy Quesinberry

The Orlando Public Library’s Melrose Center has 26,000 square feet of technological centers, such as a 3D lab, a simulation lab, sound booths, video and audio production studios, multiple computers, workstations and a photo studio.

Remaining

RELEVANT Libraries constantly are changing to offer residents a variety of programs to improve their skills in the digital world. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Public libraries once were the main resource for obtaining knowledge, exploring the globe or escaping into the pages of fiction novels and picture books. But then the internet was introduced, and suddenly libraries began seeing a decline in attendance. This new information highway didn’t leave much room for library visits. Some folks say there is no longer a need for libraries, but officials at the Orange County Library System have a different opinion. So, how do libraries remain relevant in a digital world? “Our libraries are vital resources for our community,” said Erin Sullivan, OCLS public relations administrator. “While the work of libraries is changing, the need for them is not going away. Libraries don’t just offer books

and basic computing classes; our libraries offer things like coding classes, e-books, streaming movies and TV shows, early-learning resources for caregivers of young children, access to 3D printing and photography studios, language learning classes and so much more.” Just last month, OCLS launched a new library app that introduces mobile checkout and virtual library cards. In 2014, the Orlando Public Library moved its fiction section and opened the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation and Creativity. This space includes a variety of technological resources, such as sound booths, video and audio production studios, multiple computers and workstations, a photo studio, a simulation lab and a 3D printer. A wide range of programs is offered at all the branches in Orange County. This year, residents can sign up for programs that focus on topics such as literacy, early learning, life skills, entrepreneurial skills, science and art. “Modern libraries remain vital by evolving, and the Orange County Library System has remained relevant by listening to

WHERE ARE THE CLOSEST LIBRARIES TO HORIZON WEST? ORANGE COUNTY Franklin W. Chase Memorial Library, Windermere — 15.3 miles S.C. Battaglia Memorial Branch Library, Winter Garden — 16.2 miles West Oaks Branch Library and Genealogy Center, Ocoee — 17.5 miles Hiawassee Branch Library, Orlando — 19 miles Southwest Branch Library, Orlando — 26.4 miles LAKE COUNTY Cagan Crossings Community Library, Clermont — 7.8 miles Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont — 23.2 miles OSCEOLA COUNTY West Osceola Branch Library, Celebration — 16.3 miles Hart Memorial Central Library, Kissimmee — 22 miles POLK COUNTY Haines City Public Library, Haines City — 26.5 miles Polk City Library, Polk City — 29.6 miles

the needs of the community and adapting to make sure we meet them,” Sullivan said. “In 2018, we received a National Medal from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. I think that’s a sign that we’re on the right path and that our community continues to need us.” West Orange County has four library branches: Southwest, West Oaks, Windermere and Winter Garden.

The Orange County Library System currently is studying two pieces of property in Horizon West to determine which would be better suited for a new library. “We recently received permission to begin land evaluations, which will determine the number of buildable acres of each property,” said Mary Anne Hodel, OCLS library director and CEO. “After the report is delivered to us, we will determine which property to purchase and proceed with negotiations.” The properties are jointly owned by Orange County and the city of Winter Garden, so the purchase will need to be approved by both jurisdictions. District 1 Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey has said she would like to see a library in Horizon West. “The library was always a very special place for me,” she said. “As soon as my parents allowed, I would ride my bike up to the library twice a week to check out books. As a parent, I often involved my children in story time at the library. Libraries are a place of learning for our community, regardless of one’s economic status. And they provide a focus and gathering place for the community.” Until a permanent library facility is built, the library will continue to offer classes and programs in Horizon West through its successful pop-up library. “Pop-up libraries give communities in our service area a sampling of library programming close to home,” said Erin Sullivan, OCLS public relations coordinator. “Horizon West and Lake Nona are fast-growing areas, home to families who would like to bring their kids to library events but don’t always find it easy to do so because there isn’t a library nearby.” She said special programming is coming to Horizon West in February, and this summer, special pop-ups will offer the library system’s annual Summer Reading Program, which typically draws about 100,000 people.

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Callen Tornatore reached new heights on the rockclimbing wall.

ozens gathered Saturday, Jan.18, to spend an afternoon among the trees for the 16th annual Windermere Treebute event. The celebratory event was held around downtown Windermere in honor of Arbor Day. Families enjoyed crafts, food, vendors, live music from the Down Brothers Band and even interactive exhibitions featuring birds of prey and snakes. The highlight of the event was the international Legends Tree Climbing Championship. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ERIC GUTIERREZ

Jim Wentink, 73, was the oldest climber to compete in the Legends Tree Climbing Championship. The avid arborist has been climbing trees for 41 years.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Kroy Gunn had a blast at the kids’ climb. Left: Yan Mason relaxed on a hammock at the top of a tree as he watched fellow climbers below him.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

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If you move to our community, we will pay: • Your moving fee • Half of your community fee • And you will get your birthday month’s rent free

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*Restrictions Apply - Must stay for a minimum of 90 days and pay full community fee to qualify. If after 90 days but before 120 days, you are not fully satisfied with our care and efforts to exceed your expectations, we will pay up to $1000 towards your move to another community. ALF # 12906

OPAL RAE VANARSDALE DIED MONDAY, JAN. 13, 2020.

Opal Rae VanArsdale, age 89, gently passed away on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, at The Waters of Robertson care facility in Springfield, Tennessee. Interment, with a graveside service in remembrance and celebration of her life, will be held for family and friends at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Traverse City, Michigan. Mrs. VanArsdale was born Nov. 30, 1930, in Traverse City, Michigan. She was the fifth of seven children of Clarence Edward Bracebridge and Lulu Rose (Cook) Bracebridge. She was the devoted wife of James Lowry VanArsdale, and together they made their home in Flint, Michigan, where they raised five brilliant children. Mrs. VanArsdale was a graduate of Cedar Lake Academy and worked as a medical office manager for many years prior to retirement. She honored her God through worship in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She especially loved to add her voice to His glory through song and performed for many years with the traditional gospel group, The Heraldettes. In her later years, she enjoyed volunteering her time to help students at the Maranatha Adventist School and patients at the Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. In addition to her husband and her parents, she is preceded in death by two brothers, four sisters and a daughter-in-law.

2nd Campus Foundation Worship High School (407) 720-1867 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages FoundationWorship.com

Mrs. VanArsdale is survived by her children and their spouses: Robert and Sharon VanArsdale, of Shady Cove, Oregon, David and Julie VanArsdale, of York, Pennsylvania, Donald and Lovel VanArsdale, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Danny VanArsdale and Corinne Ranzinger, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee, and Patricia and Brook Powers, of Agat, Guam; and by 13 wonderful grandchildren and 12 beautiful greatgrandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to either the Dementia Society of America or to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mrs. VanArsdale’s memory. Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us — instead, they live on through the love and laughter that they brought into our lives, and also in the kindness they have shown us, which we in turn, share with others. Thank you, Mom and Grandma, we love you and miss you. Please visit lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook, share your thoughts with the family and more. Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.

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OBSERVER

SCHOOL ZONE JANUARY 23, 2020

GENIE

JOURNEY Courtesy photo

Michael James Scott returns to his hometown to star as the Genie in ‘Aladdin.’

A career in theater and singing has led Dr. Phillips High grad Michael James Scott back to his hometown and on stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts as Genie in ‘Aladdin.’ BIANCA MORALES

IF YOU GO

STAFF INTERN

‘ALADDIN’ WHEN: Jan. 22 through Feb. 9 WHERE: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando TICKETS: Can be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling (844) 513-2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center’s Bill and Mary Darden Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or noon and 4 p.m. Saturday.

rlando is in for one magical homecoming. Singer, actor and dancer Michael James Scott will be returning to his hometown of Orlando to reprise his role as the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Scott previously played the Genie on Broadway, in London’s West End, on the North American tour and in Australia, where he originated the part and won a Helpmann Award (the Australian version of The Tony Award). In a special arrangement, the Orlando native will reprise the role in place of Korie Lee Blossey, the tour’s current Genie, to perform in front of his hometown. Scott’s journey as an actor started in the City Beautiful, when he made appearances in commercials and theater shows and sang in live concerts around the city. He’s seen his career skyrocket since then, being cast for Broadway musicals like “Elf,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Something Rotten” and “Hair.” Growing up, Scott attended Dr. Phillips High School and joined the theater program under the tutelage of Karen Rugerio, the program director. While he was an artist since childhood, Scott said he discovered his love

for theater in Dr. Phillips High’s visual and performing arts program. “Dr. Phillips High School’s theater program was a great stepping stone for me,” Scott said. “I’m proud to be a part of Karen’s army of artists.” His favorite show at Dr. Phillips was the school’s production of “Purlie” during his senior year. “It taught me leadership,” Scott said. “It taught me how to lead a musical.” Scott said that “Purlie” was a demanding production, due in large part to Rugerio’s standards. “Karen sets the bar really high,” Scott said. “She topped herself every year.” Scott described basic theater preparation — which varies from artist to artist — in three steps: rehearsing, adding technical elements and opening the show. It’s a demanding lifestyle, Scott said. “People don’t realize how physical and demanding it is,” Scott said. “We’re athletes. You have to be regimented.” Regardless of the work that must be poured into preparation, the rise of the curtain and succeeding in the job is a rewarding feeling that makes it all worth it, he said. “You let go on stage, and that’s where theater magic happens,” Scott said.

Years later, Scott would land perhaps his largest role yet as a professional. He described the moment he landed the role of the Genie in “Aladdin” as “pure joy.” “It’s a role that doesn’t come around often, especially for people of color,” Scott said. The role of the Genie wasn’t initially on his radar, though, he said. Scott knew Casey Nicholaw, a Tony Award-nominated choreographer, director and performer, from his time in “The Book of Mormon” and “Something Rotten”. Nicholaw encouraged him to take on the role of the Genie — and the next thing he knew, he had the part. “It was thanks to my earth angels,” Scott said. “Those people who believe in you when you don’t believe it yourself. “‘Aladdin’ is a universal language,” he said. “It has a universal appeal. I’m enjoying this Genie journey right now.” Apart from the stage life, Scott also is working on a music album. He said he’s trying to figure out the angle he wants to take with the concept.

“You let go on stage, and that’s where theater magic happens.” — Michael James Scott

“People have their own language,” Scott said. “I’m working on Michael’s language. I’m trying to figure it out.” Scott said he almost lost his joy of performing, though, when he was younger because of insecurities. If he could give his younger self at Dr. Phillips High some advice, he would tell him to relax and that “everything happens for a reason,” Scott said. “I would tell him, ‘You’ll come back to that joy one day,’” Scott said. “‘People will hire you. Let the universe, God, Allah, Buddha take over.’” Regardless, he regained his positivity and his “joy and heart.” “People want to be around that,” he said. “I supported myself through the arts.” The Dr. Phillips High grad is elated to come back to Orlando and perform at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “It’s such a dream to be able to bring it to my hometown,” Scott said. “It’s a gift.” Scott highlights Orlando as a city that is supportive of the arts, whether it is theater, music or dance. “I will be forever grateful for what the community of Orlando can do to support the arts,” Scott said. “I’m a product of that.”

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Windermere Prep to host second Lakerthon

Join Windermere Preparatory School for its second annual Lakerthon event from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, in the campus gym. The event will feature carnival games, vendors, a bounce house, dancing and other family-friendly fun and events. All proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the community. For more information and to buy tickets, visit bit.ly/369EXkN.

Gotha Middle SGA plans Family Movie Night

The Gotha Middle School SGA will present its Grizzly Family Movie Night event at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at the school cafetorium. Families are welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs. Concessions will be sold at the event and tickets are on sale in the media center for $3. A student ID is required to buy a ticket, and an adult is needed for entry. For more information, call (407) 521-2360.

Area schools to compete in 2020 ‘Souper Bowl’

The big game is coming, but the local “Souper Bowl of Caring” already is underway. Through Sunday, Feb. 2, Holy Family Catholic Church is asking for the community’s help in collecting donations for its St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Many local schools, including West Orange and Windermere high schools, and community members are hosting food drives to collect the items needed. Those items include peanut butter (18-ounce size), jelly, canned fruit, cereal, tuna, soups, pasta and rice (1- or 2-pound sizes), canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and canned or boxed dinners such as Hamburger Helper and ravioli. For more information, visit facebook. com/SBOCHolyFamily.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

DONALD PARM

OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL English teacher Donald Parm has a long history of serving the educational needs of students in Orange County. Parm has worked in the OCPS system for 23 years and has been at Olympia since the school first opened in 2001. He’s served the school in numerous roles and his dedication to his students led to him being named the school’s Teacher of the Year.

What do you love most about your school? I love the community we have at Olympia. I won’t sugarcoat it and say everyone is always smiling and positive. It is a place, however, where people will try to lift your spirits. What brought you to Olympia? I had been teaching middle school for three years, but knew I wanted to teach high school. Olympia was opening and directly across the street from Chain of Lakes Middle School. High school was going to give me the opportunity to teach some of my favorite literature as well as coach. What’s your favorite part of your job? By far, the best part of the job is getting to know students and watching them grow as thinkers. Not much in life compares to the “aha moments.” Seeing a student’s eyes light up with joy when they finally get it is a treat few people get to experience.

REPORT CARD ROLE: English teacher, department chair YEARS AT THE SCHOOL: 19 years

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best? My students are my motivation. I know a lot of their future depends on how well I do my job. Their success in writing and thinking for college courses is my responsibility. Along with that is making helping them to see, through literature, they are not alone. I hope understanding the shared human experience will make the rough patches ahead a little easier to bare. What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you? There is no single thing a student or faculty member has done for me. Students often use my ugly mug as inspiration and draw pictures of me to hang. The faculty did elect me Teacher of the Year last year. The real “niceness” is the kindness I receive from all entities on a daily basis. What do you like doing in your spare time? I am a roller coaster and theme park freak. In the summers I usually drag my family around the country to ride coasters. I also read and watch way too much television.

What’s your favorite restaurant and favorite meal? My favorite restaurant is Texas de Brazil — a meat lover’s paradise. Any establishment smart enough to put meat on the salad bar, too, is a place I respect. My favorite meal usually involves red sauce — be it pizza or pasta. What fun talents do you possess? I have an evil sense of humor. I love making people laugh at more than just my face. I can defuse situations often by making people laugh. I can also grade essays quickly. If 150 students turn in an essay on Monday, 150 students will have essays back with meaningful feedback on Tuesday.

— TROY HERRING

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Laying a solid foundation Foundation Academy gave its families a comprehensive update on the school at its 2020 State of the Academy. TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

The Foundation Academy family is headed into 2020 with a fresh vision and plenty of plans. Students, parents and faculty gathered at the Foundation Academy gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 16, to hear about everything happening at the West Orangearea private school — and to learn more about what lies ahead. Early on, the audience heard from Upper Campus Student Pastor Ken Mann, who touched on the many ways that Foundation Academy students are taught God’s word and biblical principles. “We believe here at Foundation that faith is the truest foundation of our academy, whether it’s at Plant Street, Tilden Road or our Lakeside campus,” Mann said. “The elements that make faith at Foundation Academy real, relevant and alive take place in several different places: our Upper

Tim Freed

“It’s been a lot of work, but just think — dreams become reality and the vision becomes clearer.” — Dave Buckles, president, Foundation Academy

and Lower School chapels, on the sport fields and courts, in classrooms and also throughout our community.” Mann highlighted the studentled praise band that performs in the chapel, how the campuses start every day with a prayer over the PA systems, and how students and teachers share testimonies throughout the year. “The evidence of the impact that FA has made on the faith of our students and their families is very clear,” Mann said. “This past year we’ve had 18 decisions for Christ during a special chapel.

… We had seven Lower School students that prayed to receive Christ. We had six students in the Upper School chapel that were baptized in December.” Carol Grosshans, vice president of education at Foundation Academy, spoke to the audience about the numerous milestones Foundation Academy has seen over the past year, including the start of kindergarten classes on the new Lakeside campus, enrollment reaching a record number of 900 students and the Class of 2019 receiving more than $4 million in academic and athletic scholarship opportunities. “This year’s senior class is almost halfway there already in the awards they have received so far this year, just in academic awards,” Grosshans said. She added that Foundation Academy plans to expand its robotics program in both the Lower and Upper School, along with starting a new television production program for the Upper School where students can create a daily school news program. There’s much to come in the near future, Grosshans said. “Sculpting by the master is not always an easy thing, and at times it can be uncomfortable,” she said. “As an administrative team, we are excited to see his continued refinement. … We are not perfect — we are still in pro-

cess — however, God has a master plan, and our desire is to be found faithful as a place where academic excellence and spiritual growth is the start of building a foundation for life.” Foundation Academy President Dave Buckles concluded the evening with exciting news: the Upper School is in for permitting on new roads, parking and a new weight room for the gymnasium. “It’s been a lot of work, but just think — dreams become reality and the vision becomes clearer,” Buckles said. “I look at Foundation Academy as a type of a sculpture,” he said. “As we continue to refine what we’re currently doing and our four pillars — faith, academics, fine arts and athletics — we will continue to strive to be one of the best schools in Central Florida. As a sculptor in the world of education, we’ll be creating a masterpiece — and that masterpiece will be your son or daughter or grandchild to be a child of God. … Thank you for allowing all of us to play a part in your child’s life.” Buckles said after the presentation that the school also is currently in the design phase for a 17,000-square-foot classroom addition that will have two science rooms, a band/drama room and eight classrooms.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Gotha Middle teachers relax, recharge in new Zen Den The new chill spot is a no-work zone on campus designed for the school’s staff. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Teachers and staff members at Gotha Middle School have a new spot on campus to unwind. The school’s new Zen Den offers personnel a space to relax, disconnect and take a break from the stresses of work. The Zen Den is strictly a no-work zone, so teachers and staff members can truly catch a mental break. It was put together in an empty classroom on campus in November, and it was unveiled to teachers and staff after Thanksgiving break as a holiday gift to them all. “It’s a place for them to debrief, calm down and relax during the school day,” Principal Monica Emery said. “There’s nowhere to take a break. Teachers get a planning period (and) they get a lunch, but there’s really no place to escape. It’s not like we work in an office building where you can walk away for your lunch break for an hour.” Emery added the school needed a space on campus that offers teachers and staff members an escape from the stresses

of work. She said the school has been working toward educating students about the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, and she thought it was important that school staff have down time for mental health reasons as well. Although the school has teachers’ lounges all over campus, the lounges often are used as work spaces that don’t offer the same kind of escape as the Zen Den. “We wanted a space that was really a no-work (zone) — no laptops (and) no phones, unless you’re (using it for) meditating or something,” Emery said. “It’s really a space for them to disconnect for a couple minutes.” The Zen Den was put together by the school’s partner events coordinator, Davina Chunoo, and registrar, Yete Payne, with the help of some volunteers from the Parent-Teacher Organization. The space is dimly lit and offers chair massagers, a whitenoise sound machine, waterfall machine, a lounging area with a TV playing a fireplace scene and even a space to meditate and do yoga among other means of relaxation. “When you walk into the Zen Den, you’re greeted by grass and plants, and then the room is broken into three parts,” Chunoo said. “You have your first part, which is more of a (relaxation area) with chair massages,

Eric Gutierrez

Partner events coordinator Davina Chunoo, left, and registrar Yete Payne put together the Zen Den with the help of volunteers from the PTO.

and for those that don’t like the massages, you have zero-gravity chairs where you can take a view of the warmth of the lights, the coolness of the water and you can hear different sounds from our sound machine. “The other area that we have is more of a cozy area,” she said. “It has the roaring fireplace (on TV), a couch and comfortable pillows for you to relax. Then our third

area, for those who want to do mental clarity through yoga or whatever their ritual is, we have a yoga area/blank space with candles, water and plants.” It hasn’t been around long, but the Zen Den has been a hit with teachers and school personnel. “In our profession, I think that it is something that is needed so that we … have that time to decompress and reset and get

back to doing what we’re here to do, which is to keep our students safe and learning,” said Katrina Bellamy, eighth-grade dean. “It’s awesome that we have it. It’s needed. … I’ve heard (teachers) talk about it and how it’s useful and we really appreciate that we have it. … I have been in there, and you don’t want to leave.”

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JANUARY 23, 2020

SPORTS

Tyeree Bryan is a leader on the Olympia basketball team and hopes to play in college. Page 16.

HIGH

Geaux 5

In Foundation Academy girls soccer’s 8-0 thrashing of Lake Mary Prep Friday, Jan. 17, freshman Kaitlyn Clark had her game of the year as she scored a whopping five goals for the Lions. In the Lions’ previous game — a 8-0 win over Father Lopez Tuesday, Jan. 14 — Clark scored four goals.

The Dr. Phillips girls weightlifting team dominated in the Metro West Conference meet Friday, Jan. 17, to win the metro title. The Panthers won all 10 weight classes and were led by Destinee Alford (199-pound class), who lifted a combined weight of 335 pounds (170 bench, 165 clean and jerk), while Jada St. Cyr (183-pound class) lifted a total of 350 pounds (190 bench, 160 clean and jerk). In the unlimited category, Ty Smith lifted a whopping 400-pound total (230 bench, 170 clean and jerk).

In Central Florida Christian Academy boys basketball’s 70-53 blowout win over Vanguard Thursday, Jan. 16, sophomore point guard Riley Kugel went off for 20 points. Senior small forward Jajuan Preaster added 16 points, while senior wing Nicolas Silva went for 15 points.

In Windermere Prep boys basketball’s 62-53 win over Lake Minneola Wednesday, Jan. 15, junior center Elijah Hulsewe had himself a night as he picked up the double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds in the Lakers’ 13th victory. Fanbo Zeng also kept his impressive season going as he racked up 18 points, seven rebounds and five blocks.

TIME TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

very time Bridget Dean walks onto the gym floor, she can feel the butterflies in her stomach. It doesn’t matter that she is now in her third year with the Louisiana State University gymnastics team — or that she has been in the sport since she was a child. It never changes. At LSU, there are high expectations of its gymnastics program — which currently sits at No. 2 in the country — so the need to perform with perfection is expected. Dean knows this, and she embraces the nerves that come with her sport. “I remember asking my mom about being nervous, and she was like, ‘If you’re not nervous, then you don’t love it,’” said Dean, a 2018 graduate of Olympia High. “It’s something I’m very passionate about and that’s what I love — it’s so much adrenaline, and I love that. Even though I’m a junior — and when I’m a senior — I know I’ll still get that feeling. “As you get older you’re able to control it more, but you’re still going to have that,” she said. “And in front of 13,000 fans?

Courtesy of LSU Athletics

Olympia alum Bridget Dean has found her place in the starting lineup for the LSU gymnastics team.

SEE DEAN PAGE 16

Lakers boys soccer claims SSAC state title Thanks to a hat trick from Gunnar Studenhofft, Windermere Prep continued their undefeated season with the program’s first SSAC title.

The First Academy boys soccer team had an impressive showing from senior Brett Kelly during the Royals’ 6-1 victory over The Master’s Academy Monday, Jan. 13. Kelly picked up the hat trick for the Royals, while teammates Nick Garcia, Ben Barrett and Matthew Barrett picked up a goal apiece. Since then, the Royals have won three more games, pushing their win streak to six games.

The Lakers are now 12-0 as they head toward the end of the regular season.

Troy Herring

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

No matter how good of a team you are, you will be tested. Those were words Windermere Prep boys soccer coach Jonathan Griffiths delivered to his team. The scoreboard in the corner of the end zone read 4-2 in Windermere Prep’s favor over All Saints Academy in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference state final Friday, Jan. 17. Despite the lopsided score, the game was much tighter — especially in the first half — and Griffiths made note of the significance of the late-season test in the team’s post-match breakdown. “Listen up — it’s the first time all year that we have been challenged,” Griffiths said. “It’s going to be a battle if you want to win district — it’s going to be like that. You have to keep working hard all game. … You have to keep up momentum now.” Coming into Friday’s title game, the Lakers (12-0) had dominated all season — outscoring opponents 77-10 — and sat at a perfect 11-0 SEE LAKERS PAGE 16

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

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Tyeree Bryan A junior on the Olympia boys basketball team, Tyeree Bryan has established himself as a leader for head coach Rob Gordon’s basketball program. Bryan, who aspires to one day play college basketball and become an engineer, is looking to help push the Titans into the playoffs.

How did you first get into basketball? When I was around 6, I was playing at a local gym in Orlando. A coach noticed me and wanted me to play on his AAU team — try it out and practice with his squad. I’ve been playing ever since.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Olympia GRADE: Junior AGE: 17 SPORT: Basketball POSITION: Small forward

What has kept you in the game of basketball for so long? I love playing the sport. At first, I was kind of good — but not really — but now I’ve gotten better.

Is there a highlight moment for you that stands out during your time at Olympia? Probably game-winners — I had one so far this year. We were playing Bishop Moore at their school for a Christmas tournament, and we were down by one. I got to spot up in the corner for an open shot, and I knocked it down. It was just so fun that all my teammates were hyped, and the whole gym was going crazy. It was a really good experience.

What has been your favorite part about playing basketball at Olympia? Just the fun — I can just play basketball and have fun. And even though I’m having fun, I’m still learning about the game of basketball and playing with my teammates. I’ve basically had the same teammates since my freshman year.

Coming into the season, did you have any goals in mnd that you were hoping to accomplish? To win at least 10 games, to make it to districts and make it far into playoffs. I didn’t have any personal goals — just team goals — because as long as you work as a team, all of my personal goals are going to happen.

What have been some things that you have learned about basketball during your time at Olympia? Just a feel for the game, and realizing how hard you have to work to win a game and how hard you have to push (yourself).

What’s it like to be a leader for your team? It means a lot, but it has also been a challenge. I’m not really vocal at times, so I have to figure out how to be vocal. Also, being a lead guy, you can’t get on others if you’re not doing the same thing that you’re getting on them about. I have to be vocal and be an example for others.

What is the hardest part about playing at small forward? Your favorite part? The hardest part is probably defense, because sometimes you’re going to get tired. At my position they switch me, so I have to guard one through four. What I like on offense is that most of the plays are already destined for that certain position (small forward), so it’s already a good place for me to be able to score.

— TROY HERRING

Dean finds success at LSU CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

That’s something you don’t have in (Junior Olympics).” Those nerves never appear to manifest outside of Dean’s stomach based on what she has done so far this season on bars, beam and floor for the Tigers. In the Tigers’ most recent meet against Auburn University Friday, Jan. 17, Dean stuck her landings in both beam and bars, earning her the honor of wearing the team’s “stick crown.” That crown has gotten a lot of use; LSU is off to a 3-0 start in the 2020 season. Being able to make a difference on a nationally renowned team is a dream come true for Dean, who has worked tirelessly to get to where she is today. That’s why it’s hard to believe she almost called it quits a few years ago. THE GREATEST OBSTACLE

Dean’s gymnastics career began at 5 years old. She was an energetic child who swung from tree branches and learned how to do flips in the backyard with her mother, Kim, also a gymnast. By the time Dean was 10 years old, she and her mother moved to the Ocoee area from Fort Myers to train at Orlando Metro Gymnastics. Dean became a Level 10 gymnast by the time she was a junior at Olympia. She competed in the

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Puzzle One Solution: “Honesty is the best part of any art CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 that, With 12:02 left in the half, the form. If you don’t have you’re Saint were able to break through kidding yourself and your listener.” thanks to talent in every position Windermere Prep’s backline. – Billy Joel

formation second half, so that kind of helped us because they had the two guys marking Gunon the field. Senior Charles Rodes snuck the nar, and then putting that extra Puzzle Solution: And out ofTwo the gate, it seemed ball past goalie Carlo Moran to guy up top kind of confused the“It Lakers once again would tie the game at 1-1. That score them.” is our job – as parents, grandparents, steamroll their way to an easy held until halftime. The Lakers conceded one last aunts, uncles – to find books our kids win and the program’s first SSAC “It was tough,” Griffiths said. goal by Jackson Gurr in added are going toThree like.”minutes – James Patterson boys soccer title. “We had been dominating pos- time, but by then the game in, senior Gunnar Studenhofft session in the first 20 minutes, already was sealed. Windermere was taken down in the Sudoku box — so when they came back to 1-1, Prep finally won the SSAC. This week’s answers leading to a penalty kick. it kind of shifted momentum to The win is a big one for the Unexpectedly, however, the other side.” program, but the season is far Studenhofft’s shot missed wide The Saints continued their from over. There still are two and left the game knotted at 0-0 momentum coming out of the games left in the regular season, early. It wouldn’t take the Lakers locker room, with a chance on and then it’s time for district long to regain composure. goal fewer than two minutes into play — as well as the FHSAA Ninety seconds later, Studen- the half. But the Lakers respond- state tourney. hofft once again found himself ed when Studenhofft scored the There is a lot to take away in scoring position, but his shot first of his three goals in the half from Friday’s game, but there careened off the hands of the a minute later to push Winder- were two things that stood out to Saints’ goalie before junior Jose mere Prep back in front at 2-1. Griffiths as the season marches This week’s toward Celebrity Cipher answers Lopez headed the ball into the By the 63rd minute, Studenits end. back of the net to give Winder- hofft had collected hisPuzzle hat trickOne to Solution: “I take away that in the second mere Prep the early 1-0 advan- give the Lakers the comfortable halfbest we played a team “Honesty is the part ofas any art — we tage in the fifth minute of play. 4-1 lead — helped by aform. change of don’t were all on the same game plan,” If you have that, you’re Over the next 28 minutes, strategy, Griffiths said. Griffiths said.listener.” “And then keepkidding yourself and your the Lakers only found another “Second half, we played a lot ing everybody healthy is going – Billy Joelto chance or two, while the Saints quicker going forward rather be the big factor for us... keeping Puzzleand Two Solution: finally began to settle into the than possessing sideways our attackers healthy will defi“It is our job – as parents, game©2019 before finding the push backwards, ” Griffiths said. “We nitely help us grandparents, when we go into NEA, Inc. aunts, unclesthe – to find books they needed. played two up top — we changed postseason. ” our kids are going to like.” – James Patterson This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Sudoku answers

2019 1211007

Taking a year off from a sport is

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tough for any athlete, and it set Dean back when she arrived at LSU. Although she had spent the summer training, she still was out of shape. Dean had the chance during the preseason to work on her strength, but she landed a team alternate spot for beam and bars — although she didn’t get a chance to compete. “I was honestly shocked that I made the alternate for bars and beam, because I was so far behind,” Dean said. “And I wanted to be in the lineup, but at the same time, I want to do whatever is best for LSU.” It was frustrating for Dean, but her patience paid off in the long run. She exploded onto the scene during her sophomore year. She scored career highs in bars, beam and floor, including clutch showings on bars and beam during the NCAA Second Round and Regional Final. She also scored a 9.8625 on beam during the NCAA team championships — where LSU finished runner-up. The year was full of highlights for Dean, but that’s all behind her as she hopes to push her team further this season. “My heart and head are just set on doing whatever I can do to help my team win a national championship, because this group of girls deserves it,” Dean said. “We are so hungry for this national championship.”

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2013 P&G Championships, the 2013 Nastia Liukin Cup and the 2015 J.O. National Championship. Everything was going perfectly for Dean at the time — she had become a top gymnast who already had the offer to compete at LSU. But during her senior year at Olympia, she suffered a lower-back injury. “I don’t know what I did, but it was a nagging thing that I could not heal,” Dean said. “So I took off an entire year of gymnastics, because I didn’t even know if I could do gym again. I mentally almost quit from gymnastics, and I didn’t think I would be able to go to LSU.” Luckily for Dean, the coaching staff at LSU still wanted her on the team, so after graduating she made her way to Baton Rouge in the fall of 2018. Although her back still needs warming up and some attention to this day, Dean finally was able to return to highlevel competition during her first year at LSU. “Nothing seemed to help until I got up here, and we started working on my flexibility and my upper back, and that completed changed the game for my back,” Dean said. “It was my upper back that was pulling on my lower back.”

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SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Windermere girls hold off West Orange in 42-38 win I n a game of rivals, the Windermere Wolverines came out on top as they sneaked by West Orange High on the basketball court in a 42-38 win Wednesday, Jan. 16. Despite the close final score, it was all Windermere (12-4) early as the Wolverines jumped out to a 13-0 lead, before a three-pointer from West Orange’s Camryn Siemer stopped the bleeding. The senior guard went on to finish with a team-high of 16 points. The Warriors (9-8) found their footing in the second quarter before going into the half down 22-12 — thanks in part to Siemer’s seven points. After surviving a shaky start to the game, the Warriors began to make a push. A little under five minutes into the third quarter, the Warriors took their first lead of the game on a layup from Siemer. From there, the Warriors and Wolverines exchanged blows. Over the course of the third quarter — and well into the fourth quarter — the game had seen a half-dozen lead changes, before junior guard Abigail Crain hit a layup with under 5:30 left to give the Wolverines the 34-32 lead. Crain scored 10 of her game-high 17 points in the second half, and Windermere wouldn’t give up the lead again.

Paris Pickett was patient in setting up a play on offense.

Chaney Hollis went up for the rebound against the Warriors’ defense.

Above: Windermere’s Kayla Green, left, and West Orange’s Kyla Cruz fought for a loose ball. Right: Ashley Vargas called out a play for the Wolverines.

— TROY HERRING

313622-1

GAME FILM

OrangeObserver.com

CODE by Michael Schlossberg; CROSSWORD POSTAL Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS

1 “Cool!” 6 Church doctrine 11 Landlocked African country 15 Truth’s counterpart 19 Where vows are taken 20 Goofed 21 One may beep when it’s ready 22 Employs 23 [ ] AL, [ ] AK, [x] AR, [ ] AZ 26 Popular pens 27 Binary digit

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

28 YouTuber’s journal 29 Jai ___ 30 Lecterns 31 Aswan Dam river 34 NJ or N.J. 38 Salon fiascoes 42 ___ Might Be Giants (rock band) 43 Common people, with “the” 44 ... IX) OR, X) PA, XI) RI ... 46 Vaccination 48 They get more annoying as they grow up 49 Disapproving cluck 50 Went hog wild at

mealtime 56 Drug cops 58 Joker 59 “And there you have it!” 60 1988 No. 1 hit for The Beach Boys 65 MO $$$70 Textbook example 72 Ram’s sound 73 Watergate, e.g. 74 ... CT, DE, ??, GA, HI ... 79 Origami fold 80 Sass, slangily 81 Take a stab at 82 Gabbana’s partner 84 Like jeans and a blazer

118 Big sandwich 119 NY = MA = DE = NC = VA 124 Harvey ___ College 125 John, in Russia 126 ___ Hawkins Day 127 Twirled stick 128 Church recess 129 Gambling mecca near Tahoe 130 Minds, as advice 131 Oozes

89 Uncommon bill 90 Christmas dinner birds 95 Poet Pound 96 Second item in this list: o NM, o NV, o NY 99 Goddess of wisdom 103 Friend in battle 104 Junk email senders 105 Choice between OK and not now 109 Period of time 110 Land parcel 111 Tilt 112 Miami squad 115 Uber driver’s aid, briefly

54 Notions 55 CBS anchor King 56 Longtime pitcher Hideo 57 Weeps 60 “Hyperion” poet John 61 Poppy product 62 Somewhat, informally 63 Furry aquatic mammal 64 Sun. follower 66 Cry from a baby monitor 67 Minute ___ orange juice 68 Behold, in Latin DOWN 69 Deface 1 Inverse of giga71 Spanish 101 verb 2 Panache 75 ___ Major 3 Partygoer 76 Big Apple sch. 4 T, on frat row 77 Punishment for binge5 Bruins legend Bobby watching, perhaps 6 Small valley 78 Cary of “The Princess 7 Thereabouts Bride” 8 Shorthand inventor 83 Part of BBC (Abbr.) 9 ___ B, aka Scary Spice 85 Core belief 10 Fruity drink suffix 86 Business mogul 11 Like a ragtag crew 87 At an angle 12 Related to birds 13 Fourth of 13 same-named 88 Spirited song 90 Fictional Forrest popes 91 Isle of Napoleon’s exile 14 Rustic lodging 92 Stretch out 15 Author W.E.B. 16 Remarks to the audience 93 Filming location 94 Vulcans or Klingons, for 17 Quote from memory short 18 You may write them on 97 Strong cleaner books 98 Moisten, as poultry 24 Declares 25 Rhythmic, like drumbeats 99 Reason to use an inhaler 100 Ripped to shreds 30 Jabber 101 Stockpiles 32 Apple tablet 102 Make a cryptogram, say 33 Webcam part 103 Deeply regretful reply 35 Off-roader, briefly 106 Speared garnish 36 Perlman of “Cheers” 107 Aired again 37 Run ___ (go berserk) 108 ___ Island 38 Present topper 113 Oklahoma city 39 Whiz 114 Matures 40 Like a clue about clues 116 Small splash sound 41 Disparaging remarks 117 Figs. on some wallet 45 Engrave cards 46 Blinds segment 119 Fragrant evergreen 47 Some weather forecast 120 Burnt residue extremes 121 Fannie ___ 51 She-sheep 122 NFL passers 52 Make amends 123 Dubai’s place, for short 53 Chinese animal with zebra colors

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“EUYCVDS AV DEC ZCVD WKHD UG KYS KHD GUHX. AG SUJ IUY’D EKTC DEKD, SUJ’HC FAIIAYM SUJHVCNG KYI SUJH NAVDCYCH.” – ZANNS BUCN “OJ’N ACP FAH – UN DUPXWJN, TPUWGDUPXWJN, UCWJN, CWVYXN – JA SOWG HAAIN ACP IOGN UPX TAOWT JA YOIX.”

– FUZXN DUJJXPNAW

Puzzle Two Clue: S equals F

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: X equals M

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

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SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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Windermere Windermere Observer Observer reserves reserves the the right right to to classify classify and and edit edit copy, copy, or or to to reject reject or or cancel cancel an an advertisement advertisement at at any any time. time. Corrections Corrections after after first first insertion insertion only. only. *All *All ads ads are are subject subject to to the the approval approval of of the the Publisher. Publisher. *It *It is is the the responsibility responsibility of of the the party party placing placing any any ad ad for for publication publication in in Windermere Windermere Observer Observer to to meet meet all all applicable applicable legal legal requirements requirements in in connection connection with with the the ad ad such such as as compliance compliance with with town town codes codes in in first first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

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