01.28.16 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 18

YOUR TOWN Dr. Phillips High to go all digital Dr. Phillips High School Principal Dr. Suzanne Knight announced last week that the school will be going digital beginning the 2016-17 school year. “We are joining the remaining high schools in the district who will transition to digital instruction next school year,” she said. “It is exciting to have technology play an integral role in the teaching and instruction of our students.” Parents will be able to learn more at community meetings, which will be held in the spring.

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Serving from the Pacific to the pulpit The Rev. Roger Seidner served aboard an amphibious unit and later a seaplane tender while in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE STAFF WRITER

o hear the Rev. Roger Seidner tell it, he didn’t

World War II. However, the devastation he witnessed in Japan left

ZAK KERR

SEE ON PAGE 4

Amy Quesinberry Rhode

Right: Roger Seidner’s aunt wears his Navy hat during a postwar visit.

“That’s the hope I have at age 90, for the millennial generation, that we might come to some peace from the devastation that we experienced 70 years ago, that we might stop the tension and strife that exists in the world.” — Roger Seidner

County clears path for greener roadways

and sharing His word.

Before returning home from the war, Roger Seidner grabbed a bayonet from a pile of Japanese weapons.

Postal Customer

Windermere Prep’s expansion plans include a 700-seat performing-arts hall, which would stand 48 feet tall at its peak.

lifetime of serving God

a path that led him to a

ARTS+CULTURE

*****************ECRWSSEDDM****

TALL ORDER

Orange County will spend $9.2M to add trees to road medians. About one-third of those roads are located in West Orange.

an impact and carved

Fans of comic books, collectibles and nerd culture will flock to the Orlando Toy and Comic Con, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Holiday Inn, 5905 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando. The event will feature more than 100 vendors, a costume contest and several comic artists. For more, visit orlandotoy andcomiccon.com.

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

SEE PAGE 3

play a very big role in

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DR. PHILLIPS

Nerdists unite!

3D model of Garden Theatre will help set designers create.

•

Who will win gold at the Big Orange Awards?

STAFF WRITER ORANGE COUNTY

You had better like trees in your medians, because you’re about to get a lot of them. At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved $9,215,309 for tree landscaping on 92.3 miles of Orange County roads — $3,055,502 of which will go to 30.6 miles of West Orange County streets. “I was going to do this with some of the district funds to try to promote this a year or so ago,” District 1 Commissioner S. Scott Boyd said. Through Public Works, this program will affect 19.1 miles of Dr. Phillips roads, 7.5 miles of roadway in the vicinity of Ocoee and four miles of Horizon West streets. Jennifer Cummings, Orange County environmental program supervisor, presented the median landscaping program to the Board of County Commissioners. “Our goal is to landscape 92 miles of roadway median over the next six years,” Cummings said. “We’ve worked with a landscape architect to … ensure that the trees selected will be suitable for the medians.” These trees, including species such as eagleston holly, southern magnolia, bald cypress, ligustrum tree, fringe tree, crape

Courtesy photo

SEE TREES PAGE 4

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JAN. 28

YOU R CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

RIBBON CUTTING: G WORLD PROPERTIES 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at G World Properties, 7682 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite B, Orlando. For more, visit g-worldproperties.com. WINE TASTING NIGHT AT LE CAFE DE PARIS 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Le Cafe de Paris, 5170 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. For more, call (407) 293-2326 or visit cafedeparisorlando.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 29

SHADOW CABINET This band will perform at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Dexters of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere. For more, visit windermere.dexwine. com.

WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BIG ORANGE AWARDS 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 4600 World Drive, Orlando. The chamber will celebrate the accomplishments of some of its most admired and inspirational members. To purchase tickets, visit wochambers.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30

THE DOWN BROTHERS This band will perform at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Dexters of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere. For more, visit windermere.dexwine.com. ECOSATURDAY: PRE-K FINGER PRINTS 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in the Vera Carter Environmental Center at Tibet-Butler Preserve, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. Listen to a wetland tale and take a short stroll through the woods before painting an imaginative scene from nature using finger paint. Ages 4 to 6. Call (407) 876-6696. FIVE INEVITABLE ELEMENTS OF WRITING 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Ken Eulo, bestselling author and writer of screen, stage and Broadway, has more than 13 million books in print and in nine languages. Registration required at (407) 835-7323.

ROSEN JCC CASINO NIGHT 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando. The odds are in your favor for a wildcard evening of fun, including casino games, food, entertainment and themed classroom baskets in the silent auction. Casino Night benefits the Early Childhood Learning Center and Rosen JCC children’s scholarship fund. Tickets are $60; the poker tournament is a $25 addon. Child care available (prior registration required) for $10 per child. For more, call (407) 270-3694. WINDERMERE WINE AND DINE 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Windermere Town Hall and Terrace, 520 Main St., Windermere. Individual tickets are $100; VIP tables (10 people) are $1,000. To buy, visit windermerewineanddine.com or Tim’s Wine Market of Windermere, 428 Main St., Windermere.

turn-of-the-century entertainment, family friendly activities, food and more. Guided tours of the hospital will be available. RSVP at Florida HospitalWinterGarden.com.

TUESDAY, FEB. 2

SOUTHWEST BOOK CLUB 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Join the club to discuss this month’s selection, “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” by Wes Moore. Two kids with the same name were born blocks apart in the same decaying city within a few years apart. One grew up to be a Rhodes Scholar, Army officer, White House Fellow and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in prison. How did this happen? Anyone age 18 or older can attend. (407) 8357323.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3

RIBBON CUTTING: NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 5 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Nothing Bundt Cakes, 7339 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. Call (407) 720-3839. YOUTH AND ADULT ARCHERY 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 3 through April 6, at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave. The course is for people ages 13 and older with archery skills who want to build on them using barebow archery. Register prior to this date with the Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Department, (407) 656-4155, or with instructor Alicia Weber at (352) 874-4363.

SUNDAY, JAN. 31

FLORIDA HOSPITAL WINTER GARDEN GRAND OPENING 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Florida Hospital Winter Garden, 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden. Florida Hospital celebrates the grand opening of Florida Hospital Winter Garden. Enjoy

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Reaching NEW HEIGHTS Proposed changes to Windermere Prep’s campus include a new two-story theater and an expanded café.

STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE Windermere Prepa-

Current Windermere Prep enrollment: 1,200 Proposed WPS enrollment: 1,600 Current WPS staff: 180 Proposed staff capacity: 250 Campus building height cap: 35 feet Visual and performing arts center main building height: 40 feet Visual and performing arts center height at fly loft: 48 feet Requested height variance for main theater building: 5 feet Requested height variance for fly loft: 13 feet New café square footage: 6,000 New maintenance facility square footage: 3,000

Geraldine Thompson addresses food, force in Florida Senate Among the Florida District 12 senator’s bills this session are one focusing on access to fresh produce and two on law-enforcement training and force. STAFF WRITER TALLAHASSEE With every change

South elevation view of the proposed performing-arts center.

BY THE NUMBERS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

ZAK KERR

DANIELLE HENDRIX

ratory School and Orange County staffs introduced several large changes to the campus during a Jan. 21 community meeting at the school’s Learning Commons. Two of the biggest changes include plans for a two-story visual- and performing-arts theater and changes to external and internal traffic flows. The new building would house all visual- and performing-arts classes, as well as school performances. Plans for it include a fly loft, which houses scenery, drapery and equipment needed to put on productions. School staff said it hopes to equip visual- and performing-arts students with all the knowledge necessary to not only perform in but also to run a production, and that a fly loft is crucial to that experience. “Our goal is to have a full immersive experience with our students,” WPS Managing Director John McCall said of the visualand performing-arts center. The theater would seat 700, with 550 on the main floor and 150 on the balcony, and school staff said it hopes to have the building ready to go for the 2017-18 school year. However, despite a 1998 agreement that calls for campus buildings to not exceed 35 feet in height, having a fly loft will require a height variance of 5 feet for the main building and 13 feet for the loft. Existing variances are the gym and high-school buildings, which each stand at 40 feet high. Corrie Graham’s two children, Lyla and Jack, both attend Windermere Prep, and Lyla is currently participating in her fourth production at the school. Additionally, Graham’s parents, Arnold and Pat, live in a home on Marleon Drive right behind the school “Their theater program is amazing; the shows are absolutely

East elevation

West elevation

North elevation

superb,” Corrie Graham said. “It’s a pain because the school doesn’t have a theater, so they have to rent space at the Garden Theatre, which is nice, but it makes it a little hard for practicing because they have to just use a classroom space; they don’t have the actual theater to practice on. One of the big contentions at the meeting was the fly space height requirement, but that space is needed for equipment, lighting and props. I don’t think a lot of the people understand how important that is to the theater program.” A second proposed new building is an expansion to the 1,000-square-foot cafeteria. McCall said the current setup has between 80 to 100 students at any one time and an expansion is needed to seat them inside. “It’s important that, as we continue to grow, students have a place to enjoy their lunch out of the elements,” McCall said. The expansion would consist of a two-story, 35-feet-high building of up to 6,000 square feet, next to the track. It would seat 400 students and include lower-, main-, high-top and mezzanine-level seating, as well as an exterior patio. Another proposal of particular concern to residents included multiple roadway modifications, mainly internal to the campus. In the wake of a traffic consultation from TMC Traffic & Mobility Consultants LLC, points of concern regarding traffic included limited campus entrance and exit capacities and complicated internal traffic circulation patterns. TMC proposed solving the external circulation issues by widening the primary driveway to four lanes, adding and extending a second ingress lane, allowing dual left turns and relocating the gate farther back. Internally, proposed

WHAT’S NEXT? The Windermere Prep expansion proposals now will head to a Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting at 1 p.m. Feb. 4 at the County Commission Chambers, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando.

GET INVOLVED For more information on Windermere Prep expansion plans, contact Orange County Case Planner Rocco Relvini, Rocco.Relvini@ocfl.net or (407) 836-5386.

solutions include more parking and a new high-school entrance. Other points of discussion included increasing student enrollment capacity from 1,200 to 1,600 and capping staff capacity at 250 (current staff is at 180); reducing the size of and relocating the maintenance facility to the back of the campus; modifying the north and west berms; and allowing Kensington Church, which currently uses the gym for its Sunday services, to use the new performing-arts center instead. With the discussion of increasing student enrollment, some residents showed concern for additional traffic on County Road 535 during the prime hours, particularly in conjunction with traffic that the new relief high school down the road will bring. Additionally, nearby homeowners from the Waterstone community and Kelso Homeowners Association were concerned with noise and lights from the theater, as well as modifications to the north and west berms and their landscaping. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

in technology comes hiccups of trying to organize various entities on similar systems. This has been the case for some Floridians who qualify for the Food Assistance Program and wish to shop at farmers markets. “At one time, people received food stamps, which was an actual voucher — something they could hold in their hands — and they could take the voucher wherever they wanted to purchase food,” said District 12 State Sen. Geraldine Thompson, of Gotha. “Many of them chose to use farmers markets to get fresh foods and vegetables. When that system was transitioned to an electronic balance transfer system, many farmers markets were not equipped to handle EBTs.” This hitch prevents the impoverished from getting fresh food and decreases farmers markets’ sales, largely because farmers cannot afford to transition to the new technology, Thompson said. Thus, Thompson introduced Senate Bill 284 this session to enable such sales once again. “This bill would allow a third party to set up an EBT system at farmers markets that would allow low-income people who qualify ... to get their fruits and vegetables at the fresh farmers markets,” Thompson said. SB 284 has passed the Agriculture Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. It now faces the Appropriations Committee. Two other Thompson bills have not yet garnered such success: Senate bills 796 and 810. Both have been referred to the Criminal Justice Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice, based on their relation to lawenforcement training and use thereof. SB 796 would alter training protocol for law-enforcement officers in how they interact with minorities and diverse populations, whereas SB 810 would mandate independent Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigations for each instance of grave injury or death resulting from police force. “Unfortunately, racial bias enters into how law enforcement interacts with ethnic minorities,” Thompson said. “Many times, they see certain individuals as threatening based on ... their appearance, rather than any statistical data that suggest these individuals are more threatening or dangerous than anyone else. And so I think training would help law-enforcement officers identify instances of bias that may be there subconsciously that they are not aware of.” That sort of training would lessen improper uses of heavy force statewide, Thompson said. Thompson also believes this would ensure the public gets the actual facts from an independent entity and increase public trust.

“This bill would allow a third party to set up an EBT system at farmers markets that would allow low-income people who qualify ... to get their fruits and vegetables at the fresh farmers markets.” — Fla. Sen. Geraldine Thompson

“In some instances, there are no investigations,” she said. “So it would at least provide for a thorough and impartial investigation throughout the state. There are law-enforcement agencies that request the assistance of FDLE now, but it is not required. It is … voluntary on their part.” Thompson hopes heads of lawenforcement agencies would see how this bill offers better transparency, accountability and relations with communities. “This is what I’m saying to law officers who have contacted me,” she said. “I think that it gives you another level of review, and people have greater confidence that your actions were appropriate.” She offered an example of how a lack of proper training and accountability could lead to problems affecting not just the involved parties, but taxpayers. “In Orange County we had a man who was 84 years old, who was injured by a 20-somethingyear-old officer,” Thompson said. “The man’s neck was broken, and at that time, there was no investigation, no discipline. The case was closed. The man went to court, and the jury awarded him $880,000. The city pays out these awards for use of force, but ultimately, it’s the taxpayer who pays it, because obviously they’re funding the police department.” Thompson said she did not have a specific course in mind for training officers to interact with diverse populations, but she believes better training should aid the whole relationship between police and minorities in due time. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

Pastor reflects on World War II Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked us; in fact, I served with people who served there. But when (President Harry S.) Truman decided to drop the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there were hundreds of thousands of casualties, and we don’t really have a handle on it. If there’s any measure of hope for the future, it’s that the millennial generation will break the swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks.” Seidner still has one of those weapons, a bayonet that he grabbed from a stack of rifles and blades.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Seidner, nearing 90 and living in the Dr. Phillips area, has a long history in West Orange County, and although the war took him 7,000 miles away, this is where he ultimately returned to make his home and raise a family. Seidner grew up in downtown Windermere, moving there from Ohio when he was less than a year old. His mother taught at the old Windermere Elementary School and was its principal. Seidner’s father attended the 1887 Windermere Schoolhouse, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Seidner attended Lakeview High School in seventh grade before transferring to Ocoee High. His senior year was spent at Orlando High School, the first year bus service was provided; he graduated in 1943. He intended to continue his education at the University of Florida, but after two semesters, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. “That just seemed like the inevitable process that people went through in those days,” Seidner said. “I graduated when I was 17 and was still 17 when I went into the military.” He joined the V-12 program, designed to supplement the number of commissioned officers in the Navy during the war. He was in active duty from March 1944 to May 1946. His rank was Seaman First Class, the equivalent to an Army corporal. When the military cut back on the V-12 program, Seidner returned to regular service. He said he participated in training in Hawaii and Enewetak, a tiny South Pacific atoll. He served a short time on a small landing craft in an amphibious unit, preparing for the invasion of Japan, and he was part of a crew that occasionally piloted the landing craft or worked the ramp. “We were preparing for taking troops ashore in Japan,” he said. He considers himself one of the lucky ones who received no injuries during his service. “The only action I saw was

AFTER THE WAR

Courtesy photo

Roger and Clarice Seidner on their wedding day in 1952.

when we’d hit a mine, and we did have some losses in that regard,” Seidner said. GETTING HOME ALIVE

He and his Navy buddies kept hanging onto the phrase “Home Alive in ’45.” He said the cynical response was “Golden Gate in ’48.” “Fortunately, we didn’t stay that long,” Seidner said. “Everyone was cheering when the bombs were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. … But we left behind the devastation of these men and women and children.” After the summer of 1945, Seidner’s landing-craft unit was disassembled and he was put aboard a seaplane tender, the USS Hamlin (AV-15). He recalled the depressing scene upon landing in the Tokyo Bay city of Yokohama, which had been

destroyed by more than 30 U.S. Air raids. “When we landed in Yokohama, it was just twisted rubble as far as the eye could see,” he said. “And these were people who were waiting at home just like us. One response is to say we need to be pacifists, but when you think of what happened in the Holocaust ... pacifism would have hardly stopped that.” In fact, he said, there are close to 80 Seidners listed at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. They are distant family members on his father’s side — “people who didn’t make it to America,” he said. “If there’s any value in the interview and the message, what I would like to convey is the horrendous casualties that took place in World War II,” Seidner said. “There were less than 3,000 in

In 1946, Seidner returned to his home and to college. A few years later, he began dating Clarice Journigan, a woman he knew from high school, and in 1952, they married. They have three children, David, Dwight and Martha, and one grandson. When the couple married, Roger joined his wife at her church, Beulah Baptist. It was here that he felt called to ministry, he said. In 1962, with three small children, the family left for seminary, never expecting to return to Windermere. Windermere Union Church had had three ministers in five years and was hoping to hire someone with local roots who might stay longer. Seidner was the church’s pastor for 20 years before retiring in 1988. Ten years ago, he accepted a consulting minister role at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County, in Eustis. These days, the war veteran is serving as a hero to someone closer to home — his wife, who has dementia and is limited in what she can do for herself. The Seidners live in a home on Palm Lake with several other senior residents, and he is right there to assist the aids who work there. He likes keeping busy. “I get up every morning and jog,” he said. “A little reason for being, and it keeps you alert mentally, and you get some time to yourself.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@orangeobserver.com.

County goes green with tree initiative CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

myrtle, pygmy date palm, sylvester date palm and cabbage palm, will meet safety standards, Cummings said. Estimates per mile of roadway are $15,000 for design and $85,000 for installation, with

some minor variances, she said. “In the first year, we have Apopka-Vineland Road,” Cummings said. “We’re currently working to contract and install and establish the trees over a 24-month period.” Boyd had asked whether more funds — particularly from Mayor

WHICH ROADS ARE BRANCHING OUT?

Teresa Jacobs’ INVEST program — could go toward this project for even more roads and get more homeowners associations on board. County Administrator Ajit Lalchandani said that would be possible but unlikely. “I appreciate what (staff) has done in putting this together,”

YEAR PROJECT SPAN 2016 South Apopka-Vineland Road Lake Street to Conroy Windermere Road 2017 Winter Garden-Vineland Road Ficquette Road to Stoneybrook West Parkway 2017 Old Winter Garden Road Good Homes Road to Hiawassee Road 2018 Dr. Phillips Boulevard Sand Lake Road to Wallace Road 2018 Sand Lake Road South Apopka-Vineland Road to Turkey Lake Road 2018 Silverlake Park Drive Reams Road to Winter Garden-Vineland Road 2018 Clarcona-Ocoee Road State Road 429 to Hiawassee Road 2019 Dr. Phillips Boulevard Wallace Road to Running Brook Drive 2019 Turkey Lake Road Central Florida Parkway to Sand Lake Road 2020 Conroy Windermere Road South Apopka-Vineland Road to Turkey Lake Road 2021 Village Lake Road Silverlake Park Drive to Crosswater Trail 2021 Daryl Carter Parkway International Drive to Palm Parkway 2021 Reams Road Silverlake Park Drive to Gold Creek Trail 2021 Old Winter Garden Road Hempel Avenue to Good Homes Road 2021 Palm Parkway Lake Street to Central Florida Parkway 2021 Seidel Road Avalon Road to State Road 429 Six-year totals for West Orange County Six-year totals for Orange County

Boyd said. “We’ve come a long way from where we were about three years ago. I think it’s a great program.” This program will incorporate new roadways, Lalchandani said. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

MILES COST 7.3 $730,000 2.8 280,000 1.8 $180,000 0.8 $80,000 1.3 $133,421 0.3 $25,594 4.5 $450,000 2 $200,000 2.8 $280,000 2 $200,000 0.4 $38,510 1 $100,000 0.2 $20,733 1.2 $120,000 1.9 $188,529 0.3 $28,715 30.6 $3,055,502 92.3 $9,215,309

WINDERMERE

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 Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Zak Kerr, zkerr@OrangeObserver.com Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Bill Carter, bcarter@OrangeObserver.com Kim Edwards, kedwards@OrangeObserver. com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Andrés Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

CONTACT US The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to the Windermere Observer, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 6562121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

TO ADVERTISE For display or digital advertising, call Cyndi Gustafson, (321) 239-3252, Kim Edwards, (407) 656-2121 or Bill Carter at (407) 656-2121. For Classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@ OrangeObserver.com.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the Windermere Observer are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the Windermere Observer, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

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INSIDE

Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

FREE

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 ARTS+CULTURE

The secret life of

MAYOR BRUHN West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

PAGE 13

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Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

407-448-0244 Anne McDonough, Owner

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Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

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YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.

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THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH

What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”

ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! *****************ECRWSSEDDM****

Postal Customer

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SEE NEWSPAPER PAGE 6

Call us at 407-656-2121

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Email us at AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com

The Bekemeyer family stands in front of a display dedicated to the family.

Shoppes at Belmere

A GRAND WELCOME F

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3030 Maguire Road • Windermere, FL Neil Finkler, the chief medical officer at Florida Hospital Winter Garden, gave his remarks during the VIP grand opening.

lorida Hospital Winter Garden invited special guests to a VIP Grand Opening Jan. 25 at the hospital. Hospital representatives welcomed attendees with refreshments and gave them a first look at the new facility. The hospital is located across from Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves and set to open in February. — JENNIFER NESSLAR

We offer a variety of eye services to fit your needs:

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Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith and Windermere Town Council Members Bob McKinley, John Armstrong and Jim O’Brien.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

ARTS + CULTURE Details,

QUICK HITS THURSDAY, JAN. 28

THE LION KING EXPERIENCE JR. EDITION 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, and Friday, Jan. 29, at First Baptist Church Windermere, Lakeside Campus, 8464 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Orlando. Windermere Preparatory School presents “The Lion King Experience Jr. Edition.” For tickets, call (407) 905-7737, Ext. 3391.

details, details Students from Orange Technical College made 3D laser scans of The Garden Theatre, and the data they collected will help set designers of productions at the theater.

Courtesy photos

Scans taken of the Garden Theatre will help designers create sets without having to physically be at the theater. Top: Dante Colombo, Robert Flint, Andrew Fowler and Miguel Quinones use the FARO Focus 3D to scan the theater. JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN

dvanced technology and students at Orange Technical College are pushing the Gar-

den Theatre into the future of theater production. Led by program director Alan Lynch,

FARO FOCUS 3D The scanner takes measurements in indoor and outdoor settings to create scans and data accurate down to the millimeter. The scanner, made by the Lake Mary-based FARO, has a variety of uses in different industries, from utilities and construction to entertainment.

students in the Launch Site program at Orange Technical College used 3D laser scanning technology to create scans and data of the Garden Theatre, something that allows set designers tools to create more efficiently.

SEE PAGE 14

FRIDAY, JAN. 29

JANUARY PAINT PARTY 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29., at Sobo Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. Create an original painting with the instruction of a professional artist, Kim Beltrame. $30 for members; $35 for non-members. Event for ages 21 and older. (407) 347-7996. “HANDS ON A HARDBODY” 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at The Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The show runs through Feb. 21, with performances 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets $29 for students and seniors; $33 for adults. Discounted prices Thursdays and opening night. (407) 877-4736.

RAVE OF THE WEEK Dena Key Darrah “Rave! My family witnessed something truly heartwarming last night. We were at Target in the grocery department, and a lady placed a $20 bill in the cart of an older gentleman when he wasn’t looking. He was having a hard time getting around, and his clothes were tattered and dirty. He had just a few items. She disappeared by the time he noticed the money, but we were there to catch his response. He kept examining the money; I don’t think he realized it was real. My husband told him that a lady placed it there and kept walking. He was so happy. He kept saying, “That was so nice,” and mentioned that he was low on Social Security. My 7-year-old son witnessed this, and it was another lesson in helping others. We always try to do things for others and give when we can, but actually seeing someone else do it as well made an impact.”

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

Diorama drama

C R I TT ER CO RNER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Fun-loving Papi (ID # A246836) loves to run and play. The 3-year-old dog was surrendered to Orange County Animal Services because his owner needed to move. Papi is a loving dog who enjoys treats. He has heartworm disease, which is treatable, and Orange County Animal Services encourages you not to pass him up because of that. Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. In January, Orange County Animal Services is reducing the pet adoption fee to $20.16 in celebration of the new year.

For more information, call (407) 836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com. Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. If you run a shelter or animal rescue and wish to participate, contact Staff Writer Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

“What excites me most about this entire thing is that this is a partnership between a major education facility that’s pushing the boundaries of what secondary education can provide, and a regional theater that’s pushing the boundaries of what art can provide,” said Emily Russell, director of operations at the Garden Theatre. “Together, we can be the lead to really change the artistic product that Central Florida has to offer.” Launch Site is a simulation training program geared toward training artists, animators and programmers to work in the simulation industry. Students from this program visited the theater in September to begin their work with the 3D scanner, the FARO Focus 3D. The scanner is a laser scanner, which uses tiny laser points to hit every section of the theater. The students planned out where to put the best locations for the scanner, scanned the theater and then merged the files together to create a 3D model accurate down to the millimeter. It’s more than just a fancy rendering of the theater. The technology will benefit operations at the theater greatly. Currently, the theater uses computer-aided drafting to create set designs based on the original drawing of the theater. The drawing of the theater requires directors and set designers to measure the area they would like to use by hand and then enter those measure-

VIRTUAL REALITY

ments into the drafting program to create a set design. It’s a process that is successful but also labor-intensive. The laser camera takes some of the work out of the process, allowing for the designer to see a down-to-the-millimeter accurate representation of what the theater actually looks like. The model offers more benefits to the theater than just reducing labor, though. “What this does to help the designer is that it provides a level of accuracy and a level of detail that you do not typically find in drawings like this,” Russell said. The data allows designers to see beyond the physical measurements and shape of the room and to see features to consider during design, such as curtains that could change the way the audience looks at the set. The models also are helpful to set designers who do not live locally because they enable them to design the entire set remotely. Designers have the option of using the data from the laser scanner for measurements or bringing the data into a 3D modeling animation program, where the designer is even able to build his or her set virtually in the program. “Think of it as a diorama model that an architect would have to build a building,” Lynch said. Lynch hopes that the students in the Launch Site program will even be able to create virtual sets for the theater. Andrew Fowler, one of the students who participated in

The motion capture studio at Orange Technical College could allow the Garden Theatre to create a Netflixlike experience of a theater performance. Set designers could create a set using 3D modeling animation program and the data collected from the scanner. Actors then could perform the show in a motion-capture theater, and the viewers could watch the virtual show, as if it were in the Garden Theatre, from the comfort of their homes. The data from the scanner even would allow the viewer to look around and see the entire theater, as if they were actually there. “You’re making art more accessible to people,” Russell said. It could even extend to education. If students can’t go on a field trip to the theater itself, they still can see the theater from the classroom. It also could be used as a tool to teach theater etiquette to students before they attend the theater.

the project, was excited that the project brought together the new and old. “The theater has been there for quite some time,” Fowler said. “To have an old theater bring in something that’s new — new technology — just shows that old things may never die, because the new things keep them alive.”

JAZZ JAZZ FEST FEST JAZZ

2015 Fall Grant Round Recipients

FEST JAZZJAZZ JAZZ FEST FEST FEST

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

saturday | feb 6 | 7 pm| feb 6 | 7 pm saturday

ocoee high school auditorium ocoee high school auditorium

ocoee high school auditorium

saturday | feb 6 | 7 pm

Hell Hello, Pops A To Tribute ToA A Tribute Louis performed by Yama “Wycliffe Gordon” ©Rights Everett Spruill “Wycliffe Gordon” © Everett Spruill - All Reserved

performed by Yamaha Artist and the UF and the UF Gator Ja also playing Lenard Rutled

Hello, Pops! A Tributeadvance To Louis Armstrong tickets | $10 student | $25 ad

also playing Lenard Rutledge | Ocoee H

The West Orange Healthcare District presents a grant award check to The Birth Place, one of its fall 2015 grant round recipients. In the picture, from left to right, Jennie Joseph Executive Director of The Birth Place, Stephen Facella Vice-Chairman of the Board for the Birth Place, Jennifer Riesco Grants Administrator of the West Orange Healthcare District, Tracy Swanson Executive Director of the West Orange Healthcare District, Mary Foster Certified Nurse Midwife of the Birth Place and Tim Keating Chairman of the Board of the West Orange Healthcare District.

andCommemorative the UF help Gator Jazz Band Proceeds connect West Orange people with high school auditorium Wycliffe Gordon saturday | feb 6ocoee | 7 pm Poster available online +young at event. Origin

Wycliffe Gordon Commemorative Poster available onlin

playing Lenard Rutledge | Ocoee High School Jazz B ocoee high school auditorium saturday | febalso 6 | 7 pm

Proceeds help connect West Orange young people with music and arts pro

ocoee high school auditorium

Hello, Pops! advance tickets | $10Hello, studentPops! | $25 adult | www.HAPCOpromo.org Hello, Pops! A Tribute To Louis Armstrong A Tribute To Louis Armstrong Hapco WOT Ad_01-07-16.indd 1

Hapco WOT Ad_01-07-16.indd 1

Wycliffe Gordon Commemorative Poster available online + at event. Original art by Everett Spruill. Proceeds help connect West Orange young people with music and arts programs through HAPCO.

performed by Yamaha Artist Wycliffe Gordon A Tribute To Louis Armstrong and the UF Gator Jazz Band performed by Yamaha Artist Wycliffe Gordon and the UF Gator Jazz Band byalso Yamaha Artist Wycliffe Gordon also playing Lenard Rutledge || Ocoee High School Jazz Band playing Lenard Rutledge Ocoee High School Jazz Band

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performed Hapco WOT Ad_01-07-16.indd 1 and the UF Gator Jazz Band

The West Orange Healthcare District presents a grant award check to UCP of Central Florida, also playing Lenard Rutledge | Ocoee High Jazz Band one of its fall grant round award recipients. In the picture, from left to right, Debra Cryer campus advance tickets | $10 student | $25 adultSchool | www.HAPCOpromo.org Business Manager for UCP, Jennifer Riesco Grants Administrator of the West Orange Healthcare Wycliffe Gordon Commemorative Poster available online + at event. Original art by Everett Spruill. Proceeds help connect West Orange young people with music and arts programs through HAPCO. District, Dr. Ilene Wilkins President of UCP of Central Florida, Tracy Swanson Executive Director of the West Orange Healthcare District, and Marilyn Martinez School Administrator for UCP. Wycliffe Gordon Commemorative Poster available online + at event. Original art by Everett Spruill.

advance tickets | $10 student | $25 adult | www.HAPCOpromo.org

Proceeds help connect West Orange young people with music and arts programs through HAPCO.

advance tickets | $10 student | $25 adult | www.HAPCOpromo.org Hapco WOT Ad_01-07-16.indd 1

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1/20/16 1:47 PM

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

BARISTA SPOTLIGHTS KRISTIN KULIK, WINNER Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen CUP OF CHOICE: Cappuccino FAVORITE DESIGN: Tulip TIP FROM THE PRO: Patience is key. Sometimes it takes 100 tries before making a successful piece of art. LAUREN HOAG, EVENT RUNNER-UP Axum Coffee CUP OF CHOICE: Eight-ounce cappuccino FAVORITE DESIGN: Swan TIP FROM THE PRO: Make the art slower than you think you need to. There’s a tendency to rush through the art, but if you slow down, the consistency will become more even and easier to pour.

FOAM FIGHT

xum Coffee held its first latte art throw down Jan. 21 at Axum Roastery in the Plant Street Market. The throw down, a popular event in coffee culture, brought together baristas from area coffee shops to compete on who could make the best latte art. Each barista was matched with another, and three judges decided who made the best art. The barista of the cup that was not selected was eliminated. The champion of the evening was Kristin Kulik, of Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen in Winter Park. Lauren Hoag, of Axum Coffee placed second, and Josh Neal of Axum Coffee came in third.

AMY TUTTLE, COMPETITOR Vespr Coffeebar CUP OF CHOICE: Black coffee using pourover brewing method FAVORITE DESIGN: Tulip with a lot of stacks TIP FROM THE PRO: All you need is an espresso shot, evenly-steamed milk and practice. JOEY NORMAN, JUDGE Portico Coffeehouse CUP OF CHOICE: Black coffee using Chemex brewing method FAVORITE DESIGN: Tulip TIP FROM THE PRO: Pour slowly and intentionally.

Josh McKinney, of Axum Coffee, poured the milk carefully to design his art.

— JENNIFER NESSLAR

We can prove it! Call to find out how.

Call Barbara Vance for details: By Publix on Maguire, Windermere office.

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Lauren Hoag, second place; Kristin Kulik, first place; Josh Neal, third place.

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2016 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala Friday, February 19, 2016 6:30-9:30pm

SoBo Gallery & Art Center Attire: Festive Black & White with

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Gallery Exhibits, Food & Beverage, Silent and Live Auction, Art Participation Entertainment by Johnny Dee and the Starlights Public Welcome Reservations Required Individual Ticket price $75 (open seating) To purchase tickets online go to www.wgart.org Call or visit the gallery 407-347-7996 Contact the gallery for sponsorship opportunities

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

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As you pack your suitcases for all your worldly travels, be sure to put in a copy of the Windermere Observer. All entries will be entered into our ongoing Travelin’ Times contest. Entering is easy! Once you find an interesting background, feature your weekly newspaper in a high-quality photo and email it to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@

orangeobserver.com. You can also mail or drop off the photo: West Orange Times & Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 34787. Emailed photos should be at least 200 dpi. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number where the editor can reach you. Call the newspaper office at (407) 656-2121 with questions.

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TRAVELIN’ TIMES

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

WINDERMERE GARDEN CLUB Windermere Garden Club sponsored Arbor Day for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds from Windermere Union Church. Mayor Gary Bruhn read a proclamation, and the Windermere Police presented the colors. The children performed four songs and then threw mulch and put the finishing touches on a newly planted tree. An arborist gave the children a tree education and a tree-climbing demonstration. Refreshments were served on the Town Hall porch.

W.O. REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED The next general meeting of West Orange Republican Women Federated is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. Lunch is $20. The guest speaker is Dr. Stephen Gushov, executive director of Legal Immigrants for America. Pola Hansberger, founder of LIFA and a legal immigrant from Nicaragua, will be sharing her fascinating story, as well. RSVP to Carolyn Sparks at (407) 248-9559 or (407) 2303856. Cancellations can be made before Sunday at 6 p.m. with no obligations. For information, email worw.federated@ gmail.com.

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

INSIDE

Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

FREE

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At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 ARTS+CULTURE

The secret life of

MAYOR BRUHN West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Haynes

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

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WEST ORANGE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB

RESULTS FOR JAN. 21. N-S: 1. B. Ballenger – B. Cox 2. N. Fortin – S. Landis 3. M. and J. Chilton 4. L. and T. Saulino 5. L. Jones – J. Hebert; E-W: 1. A. Lowe – B. Young 2. L. and J. Pylman 3. L. Meador – J. Winegard 4. N. Brockman – R. Kerkhoff 5. M. and F. Schwartz

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CENTRAL FLORIDA WOMEN’S LEAGUE The Central Florida Women’s League, a 28-year old community service organization, has added four new members. Agustina Grillo-Harris, Liz Madden, Julie Thompson and Martha Ritucci have joined the list of Central Florida women whose mission is to enrich the lives of their community through volunteer opportunities and various fundraising efforts. To learn more about the group, visit cfwl.org.

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OrangeObserver.com

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

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SPORTS

Central Florida Christian Academy recorded its first goal of the season by sophomore Chandler Theobald — a goal that also gave the Eagles their first win. Page 16

Let the (February) Madness begin! The road to Lakeland begins in earnest Feb. 1 as area hoops squads hit the hardwood for their respective district tournaments. CLASS 8A, DISTRICT 3 TEAMS (in order of seed): Evans, Wekiva, Apopka, West Orange TOURNAMENT LOCATION: Wekiva High School, 2501 N. Hiawassee Road, Apopka SEMIFINALS: Feb. 3: Evans vs. West Orange, 5:30 p.m.; Wekiva vs. Apopka, 7:30 p.m. DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP: 7 p.m. Feb. 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: West Orange will lean on seniors Decary Croaker (12 ppg, 5 rpg) and Sam Mingledoff (12 ppg, 2.4 spg), with Ian Lopez (10 ppg) providing some additional firepower. THE BUZZ: Although the Warriors finished last in district standings, competing in a four-team district means that West Orange will need to score just one upset in the semifinals to return to the playoffs. The Warriors will face Evans, whom they were swept by but played well against in two regularseason meetings (lost in double-overtime Dec. 3, 9287; lost Jan. 21, 65-59).

hings are set to get real for local varsity boys basketball teams in the first week of February. District tournaments will begin Feb. 1, with six programs covered by the Windermere Observer participating in a total of four district tournaments. District champions and runners-up advance to the regional

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 5 TEAMS (in order of seed): Windermere Prep, Lake Mary Prep, Orangewood Christian, Foundation Academy, Legacy, Circle Christian TOURNAMENT LOCATION: Lake Mary Prep, 650 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary QUARTERFINALS: Feb. 2: Foundation vs. Legacy, 5:30 p.m.; Orangewood vs. Circle Christian, 7 p.m. SEMIFINALS: Feb. 5: Winner (Foundation-Legacy) vs. Windermere Prep, 5:30 p.m.; Winner (Orangewood-Circle) vs. Lake Mary Prep, 7:30 p.m. DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP: 7 p.m. Feb. 6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Foundation relies on point guard Jaime Rivera for a little bit of everything. THE BUZZ: Windermere Prep was dominant in going 10-0 in district play, beating each opponent by at least 12 points — many by more than 20 points. Lake Mary Prep defeated all of its opponents

playoffs of their respective classifications, so area teams will need to advance to their respective district finals to keep their seasons going beyond next week. Regional playoffs for Class 2A through Class 8A begin Feb. 11 with the quarterfinal rounds to be hosted by district champions. — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

except for the Lakers, meaning it will be an uphill battle for Foundation Academy to advance out of district play. A bright spot for the Lions was playing LMP close in their most recent meeting Jan. 16, falling 65-55 in a strong showing.

ONLINE The Foundation Academy Lions took on Cambridge Christian Jan. 22 at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando. The Lions defeated Cambridge 61-32 on the home floor of the Orlando Magic. For photos from the game, visit OrangeObserver.com.

CLASS 8A, DISTRICT 5 TEAMS (in order of seed): Oak Ridge, Olympia, Dr. Phillips, Freedom, Cypress Creek. Editor’s note: Oak Ridge, Olympia and Dr. Phillips finished in a three-way tie for first place during district competition, leading to a blind draw to determine the seeding for the tournament. TOURNAMENT LOCATION: Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando NO. 4 VS. NO. 5: Freedom vs. Cypress Creek, 7 p.m. Feb. 1 SEMIFINALS: Feb. 3: Oak Ridge vs. Winner (No. 4 vs No. 5), 6 p.m.; Olympia vs. Dr. Phillips, 7:30 p.m. DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP: 7 p.m. Feb. 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Dr. Phillips has been led all season by double-double machine Justin Tucker, who is averaging 16.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Part of the Panthers’ success, though, has been anchored by someone such as Daniel Love, who does a little of everything — 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game — and then

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 6 TEAMS (in order of seed): Orlando Christian Prep, CFCA, Agape Christian, International Community School, Geneva School TOURNAMENT LOCATION: Orlando Christian Prep, 500 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando NO. 4 VS. NO. 5: ICS vs. Geneva, 7 p.m. Feb. 1

junior Nick Smith stepping up to average 11.5 points per game. Olympia’s Ronaldo Segu has averaged 14.3 points per game and has the ability to get 30 on any given night, while DeJuan Lockett is nearly averaging a double-double himself, at 12.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest. THE BUZZ: Talk about an entire season coming down to one game — the Titans and Panthers, rivals regardless of circumstance, will meet with a playoff berth on the line. If that’s not enticing enough, this matchup could become a recurring theme, because both teams are anchored by strong underclassmen. The victor of this winner-takeall affair likely will face Oak Ridge, which should have little problem with the winner of the Freedom-Cypress Creek contest.

SEMIFINALS: Feb. 3: CFCA vs. Agape, 5 p.m.; Winner (No. 4 vs No. 5) vs. OCP, 7 p.m. DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP: 7 p.m. Feb. 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: CFCA’s trio of Jacob Newman (18.8 ppg), Dante Treacy (17 ppg) and Jerred Treacy (10.6 ppg) has accounted for the lions’ share of the Eagles’ scoring production, averaging 46.5 points per game of the team’s 64.6 average. THE BUZZ: After a breakout season last year, CFCA’s 1410 record may be deceiving — the Eagles have played a much tougher schedule this season and played OCP well in the regular season, falling 78-64 Dec. 10. While OCP should be a lock to advance to the final, CFCA cannot overlook Agape in the semifinals — the Eagles won the regular-season game Dec. 15 by just three points, 53-50.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

SIDELINE SCENE

Chandler Theobald Titans sophomores show Central Florida Christian Academy’s soccer program got a reboot this season after a 12-year hiatus. The program collected its first win of the season against Windermere Prep Jan. 11 when sophomore Chandler Theobald scored the Eagles’ first goal of the season.

How long have you played soccer? This was my first year playing soccer for CFCA. I’ve played soccer at a younger age, but this is my first time playing organized soccer. Why did you start playing soccer? I wanted to get better at football and be better next year as far as conditioning, footwork and speed goes. I also just wanted to try out soccer. I really like it. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a lot of running, but it’s a good way to condition and keep myself in shape. How did it feel to score that first goal? It felt really good to snap a 12-year (streak) of no goals and no soccer ever, and I’m glad I could make history for the school. How has your coach helped you improve? Coach (John) Davis has done a really good job; he’s taught me a lot more than I ever thought could be part of soccer. He’s taught me so many drills that I’ve never even heard of that soccer play-

glimpse of future in win

THE BASICS AGE: 16 SCHOOL: Central Florida Christian Academy YEAR: Sophomore WEIGHT: 145 HEIGHT: 5-foot-9 POSITION: Forward

ers do, and it’s helped me so much with my footwork. I’m really looking forward to next season and the upcoming football season to show off what I’ve worked on.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SIDELINE SCENE

How does your faith play a role on and off the field? It helps me to make better decisions. It tells me to always put God first and give the glory to Him in the wins and losses and to not listen to what people say to you because God gave you those talents.

The Olympia boys basketball team did something Jan. 19 that it had not done in six years, 10 months and 24 days. It beat Dr. Phillips. The two teams play one another at least once a year, but the Panthers have gotten the better of the Titans in the rivalry dating back to the 2008-09 season, when Olympia defeated Dr. Phillips 57-53 on Feb. 4, 2009, in the regional playoffs. That was the same year the Titans advanced all the way to the state final and finished as state runner-up. It’s not just what the Titans did, though — outscoring the Panthers 48-30 in the second half after trailing 39-33 at halftime. It’s also how they did it. Olympia’s talented sophomore class led the way, with dynamic guard Ronaldo Segu tallying a game-high 27 points to pair with forward DeJuan Lockett’s 24 points. Two other Titan sophomores scored in double figures, with Mykarri Hodges accumulating 13 points and Ajay Green ending the night with 11 points. That stat line isn’t terribly surprising if you’re familiar

What career do you hope to have one day? I want to be a detective. Solving a case, finding leads and so on — I love stuff like that. I really want to get into it and see what I can do with it in the future. If you could be any animal, what would you be? A penguin, because I could be in the cold and I’d like to go down a snowy hill on my stomach! What’s your favorite quote and why? “Hard work beats talent.” Hard work is always better than talent; if you work hard, you’re going to develop your talent. What’s a song you’ve been listening to lately and why do you like it? “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. It helps get me focused on and ready for the game to do my best.

Steven Ryzewski

Ronaldo Segu and the Olympia Titans topped Dr. Phillips in boys basketball for the first time since 2009.

with Olympia’s squad. On the season, Segu leads the way for the Titans with 14.3 points per game to pair with 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals. He’s also shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Lockett is nearly averaging a double-double at 12.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Green rebounds well, with 5.1 boards per contest, but also can step out and shoot. He’s at 40% this season from the 3-point line. Finally, there’s Hodges, who averages a stat-sheetstuffing 7.2 points, 2.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game on the year. They balance each other well, too, nearly filling out a starting lineup. Hodges and Segu handle the guard duties, Green plays an athletic small forward role, and Lockett is a force in the paint. Segu, who has offers from Florida State University and the University of Central Florida, gets much of the attention for his ability to score seemingly

at will, but it’s the totality of the four underclassmen that has led to Olympia’s 5-1 start to the month of January. Because of that strong start to the new year, the Titans have traded in a sub-.500 record for a mark of 11-11 as of Jan. 25. Olympia will face Dr. Phillips in the No. 2 vs. No. 3 game of the district tournament at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, with a postseason berth on the line. The game will take place on the Panthers’ home court. It should be a great (if not a bit frenzied) atmosphere. I don’t know what Olympia’s ceiling is this season — whether they’ll upset Dr. Phillips again and advance to the regional playoffs or not. What I do know is this: If the Titans can continue to improve — and, most importantly, mature while learning how to win — Wheeler may have one of the state’s best rosters at his disposal for the two seasons to come.

Lions cheerleading roars into state In their first season of competition, the Foundation Academy Lions earned a spot in the 2016 FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Championships. Competing in the Region 2 meet Jan. 16 at Flagler Palm Coast High School, the Lions recorded a 64.95 final score — high enough to advance to the state meet Jan. 29-30 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa.

How do you stay focused on the field? I don’t think about anything outside of school; I only think about my job and what I’m supposed to do and give my all at all times. Other sports have helped me learn to cut other fans and teams out and just focus on my game.

Family. Family. Friends. Friends. Community. Community.

The private school has had sideline cheerleading for years, but this is the first time it has competed. The team, coached by Adrienne Pilz, is young — Foundation’s roster features a senior, a junior, three freshmen

ONLINE

and many middle-schoolers. “We’re definitely David versus Goliath,” Pilz said. “But we’re excited, and we have the passion and the drive.” — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Read how Foundation got the program off the ground at OrangeObserver.com.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by...

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING…

Titans take district title

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the Olympia Titans and Evans Trojans boys soccer teams met this season — back on Dec. 7 — the Titans looked to have things well in hand, leading 3-0 at the half. Then disaster struck in the form of six unanswered goals. The 6-3 defeat was still on the minds of the boys for Olympia when the two teams took the field Jan. 22, this time in the Class 5A, District 4 Championship. So when the two teams went into the half tied 1-1, the Titans decided it was their turn to dole out secondhalf punishment. They did just that, outscoring Evans 5-1 in the final 40 minutes to win 6-2 and secure the program’s first district title since 2010. It was the Trojans’ first loss of the season and also the first time Olympia had defeated Evans since January 2012, ending a fourgame losing streak. “We were so motivated because we haven’t beat them in like four years,” senior Shelove Delance said. “Coach (Lou Romao) always tells us keep fighting, keep fight-

ing. ... It’s a great feeling.” Romao — who is taking the Titans to the playoffs for the first time as a coach — said extensive film study in the day between the semifinals and the final helped him and his staff identify opportunities to top the Trojans. “We couldn’t play possession like we normally like to do,” Romao said. “We had to kick it back to the defenders, let them do the back touch, get the ball and then we would work out their mistakes — and it happened.” Olympia’s first goal came on a penalty kick by Bryce Gilgallon in the 26th minute, shortly after Evans had scored the first goal. Andrew Lizyness capitalized on a misplayed ball by a Trojan defender in the 44th minute to give the Titans the lead — his first of two goals. Standout Youlormans Hilaire got going shortly after that, scoring two goals of his own, and the floodgates had opened. “At first, I was really frustrated,” Hilaire said, referring to two near misses earlier in the game. “(Romao) basically motivated me so I would get my head focused,

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and then I was able to get two goals.” Olympia will play its first playoff game since 2010 Jan. 28, when it hosts Lake Brantley, the runner-up in 5A-3. The Titans (192-2) earned that playoff berth Jan. 20 when they defeated rival West Orange in the semifinals, 1-0. Although the district title is a big moment for the program, Romao said it would not be long until he focuses on the Patriots. “I’ll be honest with you — when midnight hits, I’ll be done enjoying it,” Romao said. “Now it’s back to work.”

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Avenging a regular season loss, Olympia topped Evans 6-2 to earn the team’s first title since 2010. The Titans will host Lake Brantley in the regional quarterfinals.

before

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The Olympia Titans boys soccer team outscored Evans 5-1 in the second half of the district championship.

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— Shelove Delance, Olympia soccer

CHURCH DIRECTORY To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@wotimes.com

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Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at wotimes.com.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

W EAT HER

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, JAN. 28 High: 66 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 60%

FRIDAY, JAN. 29 High: 64 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 0%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 28

7:17a

6:01p

Friday, Jan. 29

7:16a

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Saturday, Jan. 30

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Sunday, Jan. 31

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7:15a

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Tuesday, Feb. 2

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Wednesday, Feb. 3

7:14a

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 30 Feb. 22 Full

High: 68 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 0%

High: 72 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 0%

The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name and city and a caption, to aqrhode@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

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Tuesday, Jan. 19

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Feb. 15 First

Feb. 8 New

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SUNDAY, JAN. 31

Karin Monahan submitted this image of the Ka’kao booth at the Winter Garden Farmers Market.

Jan. 31 Last

fame 32 Wilkes-___, Pa. 33 Bygone telephone device 34 Drive-in feature 37 India’s monetary unit 38 Place for mascara 41 “The Little Engine That ___” 42 Cause for alarm? 43 Guilty of neglect 45 One of two hardy followers? 47 In a skillful manner 48 Gets hitched to 49 Unload stress 50 Ice block 51 Fix start?

52 Small Jewish village of yore 54 North Atlantic floater 55 ___ motion (begin) 56 Like some grins 58 Illegal lending practice 60 Italian frozen dessert 61 Vaccine type 62 Gooseflesh-inducing 63 Lunch or dinner 64 Queen Anne’s last name 67 Ritzy 68 One way to see 72 Showy and pretentious 73 Famous or Tori 74 Word puzzle heading 76 Cribbage board ac-

cessory 77 Tallow ingredient 78 Affirm confidently 79 Run with a long, easy stride 80 Where the heart is, proverbially 81 Yon maiden fair 82 Easily swayed 84 Walk through water 85 Surrenders, formally 86 Not quite identical 88 Notched and jagged 90 Having a rhythmical fall 91 On the level? 92 Outpost group 93 Attach pictures to the

1 Daredevils induce them 2 Rhyme writer 3 Former Russian ruler (var.) 4 Without getting excited 5 Encouragement to enter 6 Burning leftovers 7 South African colonist 8 Motor or schnozz ender 9 Bureaucratic stuff 10 Less drunk 11 Lessen, as a storm 12 Electronics, for short 13 Wapiti 14 Most scatterbrained 15 Interstellar gas cloud 16 Islamic religious leader 17 Easy’s partner 18 Boats of refuge 24 Exhausted 26 Opaque gems 29 Bard’s “before” 32 Popped, as a balloon 33 Passing away 34 Land extension? 35 Charmer’s snake 36 Pencil-box accessory 37 Bill addendum 38 Board of manicurists 39 ___ door (closed an entranceway) 40 Garb for an abbess 42 Kind of monitor or position 44 Each partner

46 Nevada town 48 Major U.S. farm export 50 String quartet member 52 Apologetic word 53 “Star Wars” creator George 54 Muslim woman’s garment 55 Theater capacity 57 Wedding reception event 59 ___ Pedro Bay 60 V-formation flock 62 Like court testimony 63 Shortsighted one? 64 Part of Miss America’s attire 65 Puts into alignment 66 Gestation locations 67 Ugly kind of campaign 68 Wear away 69 Greek lyric poem 70 Arab nation 71 Discharge through the pores 73 Concerning birds 75 Manila envelope fastener 78 Symbolic representation 80 Spiny-haired mammal 82 Swivel 83 Minimally worded 84 Flightless New Zealand rail 85 Positive attitude 87 Free-for-alls 89 Fish spawn 90 Bills of fare 92 Tummy operations 93 Possessed, to King James 94 Round hairdo 95 Indian flatbread 96 Grassland unit 97 “Give that ___ cigar!” 98 Emulate a beaver 99 “Peter Pan” dog 100 Not omitted (Abbr.) 101 Drinks at sidewalk stands 103 “Fee, ___, foe, fum” 105 “How ___ you?”

CRYPTOQUIZ

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an esteemed philosopher. Using the hints I=O and H=T, decipher the clues to name the philosopher. 1. P A K D I H I N C 2. H F E H D 3. Q A J J 4. Z I Q M F 5. F M H E F S This philosopher brought many new ideas to the table, including life-affirmation:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. Jan 28 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.46)

9 8 8

4 3

5 2

6 9

4 1 8

6 8

3 7

9 5

3 01-28-16

Jan 28 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.46)

2 5

4 7

9 8 1

9 8 3 6 1

3 6 2 5

6 3 4 1

4 7

8 3 9 5 1

2 7

4 1

2 6 8 4 9 7

4 1

4 7

9 2 8

3 6 8 9 2 6

3 5

6 8 3 2 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

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9 8

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8 1

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This week’s Cryptoquiz answers 1) Dichotomy, 2) Truth, 3) Will 4) Power, 5) Return Friedrich Nietzsche

Thursday, January 28, 2016 Thursday, DATE, 2015

Jan 28 (Medium, 0.46) This week’s difficulty Sudokurating answers

Windermere Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Windermere Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. LV11097

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 • EMAIL: classifieds@wotimes.com • ONLINE: www.wotimes.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOST AND FOUND

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT (CONTʼD)

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Experienced housekeeper wanted- 2 days per week / hours 8:30 to 4:30 in the Winter Garden area. Position includes weekly housekeeping, laundry, ironing, misc. household tasks and help with 2 cats. Must be able to work in the US, have a valid Florida driversí license, speak English and pass a background check. Services and bid work not acceptable, this is an hourly position. Interested parties please e-mail your contact information, desired wage and a brief outline of your work history to: vaughts39280@gmail.com 1/28sv

9ITEMS 5 2 7 4 WANTED

This week’s Crossword answers

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2016

LV11098

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

Quality Furniture & Interior Design

15 Florida Locations Featuring The Finest Quality Home Furnishings & Interior Design

190861