Times& WEST ORANGE
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THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 5, 2015
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+ Do you have a good love story? With Valentine’s Day approaching, we want to find the best marriage proposal story in West Orange County and give the winner a prize package that includes dinner for two, flowers from Shaw’s Florist of Winter Garden and a box of candy — a combined value of $125! To enter, all you have to do is “Like” the West Orange Times and WOTO Sports on Facebook and post your proposal story under the contest comments. Our staff will choose a winner. Deadline for entries is midnight on Monday, Feb. 9, and we will announce a winner on our website, wotimes.com, on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Good luck!
INSIDE
ARTS & CULTURE
SPORTS
We name our Travelin’ Times contest winners. PAGES 10-11A
Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon to headline HapCO Jazz Festival. PAGE 13A
Ramon Lyons to take his game to Georgetown. PAGE 1B
show of support by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
Ocoee rallies around Aubrey Friends of Aubrey Clark’s family are organizing events to raise money to help with medical bills after their daughter was struck in a hit-and-run. OCOEE — Expect to see yellow if you walk into Citrus Elementary School this Friday, or any upcoming Friday, for that matter. Students and staff are dressing in the bright color — and paying $1 to do so — in support of 10-year-old Aubrey Clark, a fifth-grader who was severely injured when an SUV
struck her after school Jan. 20. Citrus is also selling yellow courage bracelets for $1 apiece. Windermere Elementary is honoring Aubrey, too, by wearing yellow on Thursdays and, so far, has raised $1,200 for the Clarks. The community has rallied around the family for the last
two weeks, planning fundraisers and holding prayer vigils for the Ocoee girl. Ocoee police arrested 40-year-old Lastevie V. Howard Jan. 31 and charged him with leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury and reckless driving with great bodily harm. Aubrey and a friend were
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION by Michael Eng, Zak Kerr and Amy Quesinberry Rhode
+ Kitchen to host fundraiser Emmanuel’s Kitchen, which provides meals for struggling families, seniors on fixed income and others in need, will host its annual fundraiser at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 306 Ocoee Apopka Road, Ocoee. The kitchen needs donations of cash and materials. For more, call (407) 924-1186.
Ocoee commission delivers its State of City Report The address gave city leaders a chance to reflect on their accomplishments in 2014. OCOEE — Mayor S. Scott Vandergrift led the Ocoee Commission in its annual State of the City Report Jan. 28, in the commission chambers at City Hall. “Our citizens are bound together by a desire to work hard, provide for their families and make a difference
During the event, the chamber recognized many of West Orange’s dedicated leaders. The Whiddon Group, owned by Jaclyn Whiddon, won this year’s Business Member of the Year award. The Big Business Member of the Year winner
This week’s winner is
Andrea Vinkemulder. See the photo on PAGE 8B.
Randy June, of June Engineering Consultants Inc., was the recipient of the Danniel J. Petro — The Bright Future of West Orange Award.
was Clear Channel Outdoor. Betsy VanderLey, of DRMP Inc., received the Chairman’s Award. Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn was presented the Sam Hovsepian Award.
SEE AWARDS / PAGE 12A
Photos by Michael Eng
Dick Batchelor said he was honored to received the George Bailey Award.
SEE OCOEE / PAGE 4A
Balance is the key to adding recess to every elementary school
Chamber goes big at annual awards program Hundreds of West Orange business leaders, government officials and philanthropists enjoyed a fun-filled evening at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Big Orange Awards Jan. 30, at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
in our community,” Vandergrift said. “We are truly an international, integrated city within a community that stretches around the world. Because of the leadership and teamwork of my fellow city commissioners, our citi-
education by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
Jaclyn Whiddon, center, owner of The Whiddon Group, received this year’s Business Member of the Year Award from David Billsborough and Lynetta Tipton Steed.
I
WO
SEE CLARK / PAGE 6A
Courtesy photo
Danny Clark has remained by his daughter’s bedside ever since Aubrey was struck by a vehicle two weeks ago while walking home from school.
YEAR REVIEW by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
+ ONP offers Insect Safari Oakland Nature Preserve will delve into the wonderful world of spiders during its Insect Safari at noon Saturday, Feb. 7, at the preserve, 747 Machete Trail Oakland. For more information, email information@oaklandnaturepreserve.org or call (407) 905-0054.
walking their bicycles near the intersection of Clarke and Silver Star roads when Howard exited the Walgreens by driving out of the entrance and hopped the curb, striking both children, police said. Ten-year-old Jordan El-Ouadi was slightly injured, but
Orange County has 23 elementary schools without recess. Of those, five are located in West Orange County. Although most involved agree that giving every child recess would be ideal, 23 elementary schools in Orange County, including five in West Orange, do not have recess built into their schedules. The five West Orange schools on the list include Lake Whitney, MetroWest, Tildenville, Whispering Oak and Windy Ridge, although Lake Whitney Principal Elizabeth Prince said her grade levels have about 15 to 20 minutes of recess. “Recess is a time for students to take a break from the curriculum to recharge the brain, exercise the physical being and allow students to interact with one
Courtesy photo
another,” she said. Reasons for a lack of recess vary, from teachers needing more time to meet their curricula to substitute programs
SEE RECESS / PAGE 6A
INDEX Arts & Culture.......................13A Classifieds..............................7B
Community Calendar..............2A Crossword...............................8B
Matthew’s Hope Firm Foundation Preschool now Pre-Enrolling
History..................................17A Obituaries.............................17A
OPEN HOUSE
Sports.....................................1B Weather..................................8B
February 6, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM February 9, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
An affordable Montessori Education with a Christian Worldview
1460 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407.905.9500
www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org
Vol. 82, No. 6 , Two sections
WOTimes.com
2A WOTimes.com
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURSDAY, FEB. 5 Be My Valentine — 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St. Children ages 3 to 12 are invited for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Share the love while making heartwarming crafts and enjoying special activities with friends. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Education Issues Community Conversation — 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Valencia College East Campus in the building 5 multipurpose room, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. School Board Member Linda Kobert, District 3, will host a community conversation on education issues facing students and parents. Kobert, along with Rep. Rene Plasencia, Florida House District 49, invites the community to attend this discussion. To register to attend, visitall4schools.org. Lead and Feed Networking Lunch — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, Cariera’s Cucina Italiana, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. Build relationships and increase exposure while enjoying lunch with fellow members. Participants should bring business cards to exchange. A “roaming mic” will be passed around so everyone in attendance has the chance to introduce their business. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance and include lunch, drink, dessert, tax and tip. The cost is $20 at the door. To preregister, call (407) 656-1304. Orange County Retired Educators Association Meeting — 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St., Orlando. The group will gather for a potluck luncheon, Nineties Club recognition and to enjoy a performance from the Hunter’s Creek Middle School Guitar Ensemble. Anyone who has worked in education is invited to join. For more information, call (407) 6770446 or visit ocrea-fl.org.
West Orange Republican Women’s Luncheon — 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Windermere Country Club, 2710 Butler Bay Drive North, Windermere. The guest speaker will be Windermere Police Chief David Ogden. Membership in WORW is not required. The cost is $18 per person. The registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 30. To RSVP, email WORW.federated@gmail.com or call (407) 248-9559.
FRIDAY, FEB. 6 AARP Income Tax Assistance — 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. AARP volunteers will provide free income tax assistance. Attendees must provide a valid I.D., Social Security card and any tax forms and annual benefits statements needed to complete a tax return. Insurance coverage information will be needed this year, as required by the Affordable Care Act. Attendees will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Puppy Love — 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Children ages 3 to 5 are invited to bring their favorite furry stuffed animal for some cuddle time. This Valentine’s Day program will be filled with great stories and crafts. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7 A “Frozen Sing-Along” — 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St. Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to experience Disney’s “Frozen Sing-Along” edition “for the first time in forever!” For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Insect Safari: Florida’s Fabulous Spiders — Noon Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Guest speaker Wayne
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787; or by email: news@wotimes.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
Osborne will explore the world of the largest group of carnivores on the planet. Learn all about the fascinating spiders that call Florida home. Later, take a hike around the preserve to discover ONP’s resident spiders and their interesting webs. This talk is free and open to the public. For more information, email information@ oaklandnaturepreserve.org or call (407) 905-0054. MetroWest Connection Health Walk — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. Participants will receive free nutritional information and will walk the trail to better health while visiting with some of MetroWest’s featured fitness and wellness partners. Attendees should wear active clothing. Admission is free. For more information, call (407) 601-5995.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8 Affordable Care Act Discussion and Enrollment Assistance — 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 15, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Affordable Care Act Navigators with SRA International and representatives from Enroll America will assist with 2015 Open Enrollment and questions. For enrollment, particpants need to provide applicable documents, including a W-2, 2014 tax returns, proof of income and social security cards for all family members, or a green card and naturalization certificate. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, call (407) 340.0844.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11 Little Cupid’s Carnival — 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Children ages 3 to 5 are invited for a special sweetheart-filled morning. Join the Recreation Department for arts and crafts, fun games, face painting and
St., Winter Garden. The public is invited to hear music from Evan Taylor Jones, a singer/songwriter and performer from Orlando. In just three short years, Jones has made a name for himself around Florida as one of the top soul performers. (407) 835-7323.
BEST BET Daddy-Daughter Dance — 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the West Orange Recreation Center, 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden. The dance is available for girls in kindergarten through sixth grade and will have a Masquerade Ball theme. Glamorous attire is suggested but not required. The cost is $25 per couple and $10 for each additional daughter. Preregistration is required and open until full. A photo, dinner and refreshments are included. To register, call (407) 254-9245. more. Participants are welcome to bring a friend or a group. For more information, call (407) 656-4155.
THURSDAY, FEB. 12 America in Bloom — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. The Windermere Garden Club will hold its weekly meeting and feature guest speaker Katy Moss Warner, who will discuss America in Bloom, a nationwide beautification program through community involvement. Warner is president emeritus of the American Horticulture Society and a former director of Disney Horticulture and Environmental Initiatives. The public is invited to attend. Coffee and treats will be served. (407) 909-1461.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13 Presidents Day Movie — 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Take a break from school this Presidents Day and watch a fun-filled movie. Children ages 6
to 12 are welcome. (407) 8357323.
SATURDAY, FEB. 14 Be My Valentine — 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to join the library for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Share the love while making heartwarming crafts and enjoying special activities with friends. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Grand Re-Opening Library Celebration — 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Fall in love with genealogy and gather at the newly renovated West Oaks Branch Library & Genealogy Center. Library staff and special guests will kick off events with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, followed by exciting educational events. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Music on the Porch: Evan Taylor Jones — 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant
Take a Hike — 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. ONP Program Coordinator Taylor Clark will guide the hike to take a closer look at the different bird species that call Florida home in the winter months. Learn more about why birds fly south for the winter and how Oakland Nature Preserve is a good resting spot for many migratory birds. Binoculars will be provided for the first 10 people. Participants should bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. This hike is free and open to the public. (407)-905-0054. Valentine’s Day Concert — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Temple Free Will Baptist Church, 1208 E. Story Road, Winter Garden. The concert will feature Squire Parsons. Over his career, he has written and recorded southern gospel mega-hits, such as “Sweet Beulah Land,” “Gone,” “The Master of the Sea” and “He Came to Me.” There is no charge for this concert, but a love offering will be received. After the concert, there will be a time of fellowship and refreshments, along with the opportunity to meet and speak with Squire Parsons. For more, visit templefwb.org or call (407) 656-7715. Valentine Movie Night — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Windermere Town Square, W. Sixth Ave., Windermere. Attendees will enjoy music, flowers, chocolates, giveaways and the film “Sabrina” under the stars. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, wine and picnic baskets to this unforgettable evening. This event is for adults only. Admission is free. In the case of rain, the movie will be moved inside Town Hall. (407) 909-8000.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
3A
transportation by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
WORDS OF WISDOM
Town Commission fights widening of Oakland Avenue
by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
Oakland leaders know increased traffic will require expanded roadways, but they are adamant that the town’s central thoroughfare remains unchanged.
Photos by Amy Quesinberry Rhode
West Orange freshman Bradly Santiago shares a moment with Nick Vujicic after the program.
BRADLY’S STORY
A few of the students went backstage after the program to meet Nick Vujicic. One of them was 16-year-old Bradly Santiago. The sophomore has been bullied at West Orange because of the way he walks, said his mother, Vanessa Alvarez. She had to urge him to go to school the morning Vujicic spoke, she said, because the previous day some students had harassed Bradly, filming him as he struggled to walk and then showing the video to other students and laughing. “He was feeling devastated,” she said. “He called me and asked to be picked up.” Bradly was born in Puerto Rico about 13 weeks early, weighing twoand-one-half pounds. He spent two months in the hospital, fighting for his life and making incremental improvements, Alvarez said. Doctors gave him a 1% chance of survival. He lived but has been plagued with difficulties. He suffered a brain hemorrhage and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegy), which affects his ability to walk. He has dysphagia, making it difficult to swallow. He has endured multiple surgeries. The family moved to Central Florida when Bradly was 3, and he began attending a special-education prekindergarten class at Tildenville Elementary School. Over time, teachers realized that although Bradly had problems with balance and walking, he was too intellectually advanced for the special-education program. He has been in regular-education classes ever since. Bradly’s years at Lakeview Middle were fine, Alvarez said, but he has been teased since starting high school. He has always been a motivated student, but there are days when he doesn’t feel like facing the tormentors. “I try to tell him always, ‘You’re going to find good people, but you’re going to find not-very-good people in your way,’” Alvarez said. “You have to kick the stones and continue on … because that stone’s in the middle of your way. I try to make him think positive.” It was important for Bradly to hear and see Vujicic. “What beautiful work he is doing right now trying to motivate other people,” Bradly’s mother said of Vujicic. “Look how beautiful that is. (He) realized what purpose God has for him: to be a good impact on others’ lives.”
Inspirational speaker Nick Vujicic demonstrates the strength one has — literally and figuratively — in getting back up after falling down.
No arms, no legs,
ALL HEART Nick Vujicic has taken his anti-bullying campaign all over the world, sharing his message of hope with teens who might be having a difficult time in high school.
WINTER GARDEN — The speaker used humor to put the students at ease and then shared a dose of reality to drive the point home: You are special. “You might not know my pain, and I don’t know your pain — but pain is pain, and hope is hope,” Nick Vujicic said Jan. 21 on the West Orange High School auditorium stage in front of 800 freshmen. The rest of the ninth-graders and the sophomores, juniors and seniors watched the inspirational speaker on classroom televisions. Vujicic, 32, was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1982 without arms and legs, though he does have a small foot extending from his left hip. He has tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare congenital disorder, and said he encountered bullies throughout his childhood. At age 19, he began speaking at youth meetings, and he now talks to students at schools throughout the United States and around the globe. Because children and teenagers don’t always know how to react to Vujicic when they first see him, he makes them laugh as soon as he positions himself on the table onstage. He lives in California with his wife and 2-year-old son. “He’s already my height,” he said. Then he said if young people ask him what happened, “I tell them, ‘cigarettes.’” The first time he spoke before a crowd, he said, “I was so nervous I had sweaty palms.” The first time he went skydiving, he said, “My knees were shaking.” But behind the humor there are messages: Be thankful for what you have. You don’t know what you can do until you do it. Don’t let anyone limit you; miracles happen when you give yourself a chance.
NICK’S STORY
Vujicic shares pieces of his life in the span of an hour — the highs and the lows — to let bullied students know they aren’t alone, to let them know they are loved, and to remind bullies that what they do and say can have a lasting effect on people. He was teased constantly as a child. When he was 8, he said, he started having suicidal thoughts. When he was 10, he asked his dad to put him in the bathtub so he could relax; but what he really planned to do was roll over and drown himself. However, the vision of his parents and brother crying over his grave stopped him. “Hope is there,” he said.
STANDING STRONG
IronMen of God — a Christian men’s group founded by Windermere resident David Hill — presented motivational speaker and best-selling author Nick Vujicic Jan. 21 at West Orange High School. He talked to about 4,000 students, sharing his message of anti-bullying and suicide prevention. This speaking engagement at WOHS was the kickoff to a statewide “Stand Strong” campaign. Vujicic and some Southern California businessmen and clergy established Life Without Limbs, a non-profit organization, in 2005. He has spoken to more than 500 million people in the United States and 56 other countries, and he has experienced more than 400 million YouTube hits and 1,500 different YouTube videos.
“You just have to find it.” His parents taught him his value isn’t determined by what he can and can’t do, or by what he does and doesn’t have. “You can have all your limbs but a broken heart,” he said. “Who you are and how you treat others is what matters the most. Are you an encourager? Are you a giver or a taker? Do you uplift or tear down?” He then engaged the students in a four-question exercise. He asked everyone in the audience to put their heads down, close their eyes and raise their hands in the air. For a “no” answer, they were to make a fist; for a “yes,” they were to keep their hands open. One by one, he asked the questions and surveyed the room: Have you ever thought of committing suicide? Have you ever actually tried committing suicide? Have you tried because of abuse at home? Have you tried because of bullying at this school? The results were staggering. Vujicic said of the 800 students in the room, about 100 had thought about suicide and about 45 had tried to kill themselves. It was almost an equal distribution of those who attempted suicide because of bullying or an abusive home life. He stressed that this number represented the freshman class only and for a true representation of the school, multiply those numbers by four. “I can say with confidence, but with a sad heart, that about 80 people in your school have tried to kill themselves because of bullying at school,” he said. “I don’t care about reputation as much as I care about someone’s life.” He spoke to the tormentors. “It’s not OK to tear down, to push,” Vujicic said. “Starting and spreading gossip is equally bad. … Being tough is showing strength. It’s not hard to tease me, but is it tough?” He spoke to the females. “Girls, you don’t need a boyfriend to feel loved. Give your-
self a chance. Give yourself some dignity. Give yourself some time.” He spoke to the males. “Guys, you don’t have to prove yourself. You don’t have to join a gang to be cool.” Students were then challenged to make a difference. “Where do you stand?” Vujicic asked. “Are you ready to stand strong? Are you ready to stand for a change?” The speaker asked them to rise and repeat his words: “To end bullying starts with me. From this day on, I will not tease or gossip. …”
REACTION
West Orange Principal Doug Sczinski was grateful for Vujicic’s visit and expects it to spark a change in the students. “That was incredible,” he said. “We were very fortunate to have him come talk.” He hopes the teens will remember the full message of treating people with respect. Some of the freshmen shared their thoughts, too, after Vujicic spoke. “Nick’s speech opened my eyes and made me realize that if I want to change the world someday I have to start with myself and the ones around me,” student Danielle Serrano said. Laurra Franco agreed. “Nick’s speech has enlightened me in a way, not only to be as kind as you can be to other people, but to myself as well,” she said. Grace Gregorre added, “The speech was very inspirational and moving.” “The presentation was great; I thought it was great because it can save lives,” Terrance Jones said. “I am grateful that he was able to come to our school.” Emma Gunn said, “I thought it was inspirational because for the kids who thought of killing themselves, he gave them hope.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.
OAKLAND — The Oakland Town Commission has approved the first reading of an ordinance that addresses transportation as it pertains to growth — with one exception. Oakland Avenue is not to be widened under any circumstances. This was the message stated repeatedly at the commission’s Jan. 27 meeting. Brent Lacy, senior transportation planner with Littlejohn Engineering, in Orlando, highlighted the changes to a transportation presentation he originally gave to elected officials Jan. 13. This Transportation Element is part of the town’s overall Comprehensive Plan, which determines growth and development. “The changes to the Transportation Element work to implement a new roadway master plan and have it apply to development review more substantially, while maintaining the integrity of the community vision,” Max Spann, Planning & Zoning director, said in his report. Oakland has three main arteries: West Colonial Drive, Oakland Avenue and, to a lesser degree, Tubb Street. As the town grows, so does the need for wider roadways and more connector streets to accommodate the additional residents and businesses. Lacy has said the town’s existing transportation network will not serve future demand. He stressed the importance of creating through-streets instead of cul-de-sacs and dead ends, building two paved north-south connector roads and widening Colonial Drive. Another possibility is to expand Oakland Avenue from two lanes to three or four lanes. “I don’t think there’s anyone in this town that would be in favor of widening Oakland Avenue,” Mayor Kathy Stark said. Commissioner Rick Polland said he was still concerned about the widening after seeing it on a list of proposed improvements in the presentation. Lacy said the list offers only suggestions. He added that the town is in conflict with itself by agreeing to growth but not agreeing to provide the means to handle it. “That says you are accepting more traffic and congestion on your roadways,” he said. “I accept that,” the mayor replied. Polland pointed out that Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden has just two lanes, and this seems to work there. West Plant becomes East Oakland Avenue at its intersection with Tildenville School Road. The picturesque two-lane road
IN OTHER NEWS • The commission held a lengthy discussion with Rich Thurston and Ron Thurston, of Thurston Auto Sales, admonishing them for improperly storing recreational vehicles at 16123 W. Colonial Drive. One of the conditions of a special-exception agreement between Thurston and the town was that RVs had to be kept behind a fence at the former Performance Honda dealership while the Thurstons were in negotiations to purchase the property. They took ownership Friday. Mayor Kathy Stark maintains the vehicles have been prominently displayed for two months, which was not part of the agreement. The Thurstons assured the commission that a 12-foot fence will be in place by Feb. 15. • Human Resources Director Tonna Duvall asked the commission to amend the section of the town’s employee handbook regarding pre-employment drug testing. She said many Central Florida cities are changing their policy after the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida ruled that a public employer’s policy of drug testing “all job applicants” was applied in an unconstitutional manner in Voss v. City of Key West. The commission voted to change the wording in the handbook to the following: “A candidate extended a conditional offer of employment whose job duties are safety sensitive, satisfies a ‘special need’ or furthers an important town of Oakland interest must take and pass a urinalysis drug test before beginning work.” — with its preserves, parks, trails, historic districts and education and recreation centers — became an extension of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway in 2006. Stark and commissioners Polland and Joseph McMullen all said they would be amenable to adding periodic left-turn lanes to help keep traffic flowing. “We’re not widening the right-of-way under any circumstances,” Lacy assured them. “The big trees stay where they’re at.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.
NEWS BRIEFS + W.G., Ocoee qualifying ends Two incumbents in Ocoee and one in Winter Garden will have to campaign to keep their seats on their respective city commissions now that the qualifying period has ended. The municipal elections are Tuesday, March 10, and registered voters in Winter Garden, Ocoee and Windermere will go to the polls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day to select who will represent them for the next term. In Oakland, voters will receive a mail-in ballot regarding revisions to the town charter. In Ocoee’s District 2, Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen, 1019 Shady Maple Circle, has opposition from Mike Hopper, 240 E. Silver Star Road. In District 4, Commissioner Joel F. Keller, 5021 Lighterwood Court, will face George Oliver III, 2020 Applegate Drive. In Winter Garden’s District 4, Commissioner Colin Sharman,
312 Duff Drive, will be running against David Kassander, 15155 Ovation Drive. Incumbents Bob Buchanan, District 2, and Bobby Olszewski, District 3, have no opposition. Four candidates are vying for three seats on the Windermere Town Commission: incumbents Jim O’Brien, Mike Pirozzolo and Molly Rose; and Robert McKinley.
+ Clarification In the Jan. 29 edition, a detail in the story, “W.G. Scout turns dog attack into Eagle project inspiration,” requires clarification. A.J. Ortiz’s parents, Andy and Analissa, did not leave A.J. alone at home with the dogs that attacked him. A.J.’s aunt came to the home to babysit so his parents could attend a business event at a comedy club in Ocala. A.J.’s aunt —without consulting with the parents — then took A.J. to another home, and that is where the attack took place.
4A WOTimes.com OCOEE / PAGE 1A zen volunteers and our staff, our city continues to be a desirable place to live, work and play. Our city manager and his team met the challenge in presenting a balanced budget that reduced costs while maintaining the excellent services we provide to our citizens.” In 2014, Ocoee became the fastest-growing population among the seven counties of Central Florida, and Vandergrift said he could see signs of an improving Ocoee economy, with increased home values and commercial construction throughout Ocoee, as well as a gross taxable value stream of more than $1.8 billion, an increase of 8.68% from 2014. Ocoee has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 26 consecutive years, the highest form of recognition in this area, Vandergrift said. The genesis of 135 businesses in Ocoee put the number of businesses in the city at 1,742, at an addition of 25,500 square feet of retail space. District 1 Commissioner John Grogan reported on Florida Central Railroad rail improvements throughout the county among infrastructure improvements and plans to grow business in Ocoee, Winter Garden and Apopka within the Tri-Cities partnership, as well as the Ocoee Police Department. “Our police department has continued to protect and serve while innovating award-winning programs and services,” Grogan said. “Using grant money, the department’s traffic division hosted a Labor Day DUI checkpoint, a roving patrol and other agency DUI events. Because of these joint efforts, numerous offenders were arrested and removed from the streets before causing harm to themselves or other motorists.” The police department entered an agreement with Winter Garden to begin the transition of computer-aided dispatch services and record-management systems to the Winter Garden Police Department, enhancing the level of such services while saving tax money, Grogan said. District 2 Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen reported on Parks and Recreation and Utilities. “We encourage residents to come out and enjoy our beautiful parks,” she said. “Our recreation program appeals to all ages, offering something fun for everyone. Some of the recreation programs have had significant growth, including our youth basketball league, adult softball and kickball leagues and the city’s summer camp program.” Wilsen also mentioned continuously growing popularity for Ocoee Haunted House and several other recreation programs, such as Easter Egg Eggstravaganza. “As to our utility department, you all know drinking water is one of our most valuable natural resources,” she said. “The city is dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water to all our citizens at an affordable price. In 2014, the utilities department treated and provided 1.41 billion gallons of drinking water for our local customers.” Backflow prevention programs and water infrastructure upgrades also continued to enhance water treatment, and hundreds of millions of gallons were used for irrigation through-
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
out the city, Wilsen said. The city provided more than 250 free rain barrels to residents and students, and utilities staff educated local students on water conversation, she said. Hundreds of trees also were donated at the city’s Spring Fling event. District 3 Commissioner Rusty Johnson shared information on memorials, the grant for improvements near State Road 429 and the fire department. “Last year, our firefighters taught 350 citizens and city employees how to save lives using CPR,” Johnson said. “The Ocoee Fire Department is one of only a handful of fire departments in Central Florida that offers all of its CPR training to residents and non-residents. The fire department and police department joined forces to conduct the first Public Service Academy attended by Ocoee residents. The 12-week program gave residents a unique inside look at a day in the life of firefighters and police officers. Participants visited the gun range, county jail and the burn building at the local fire academy.” Such participants learned a plethora of safety facts and received brief amateur training from the departments. The fire department responded to 5,000 emergency calls in 2014, including 1,200 related to fires and 3,103 EMS calls, Johnson said. District 4 Commissioner Joel Keller spoke about Public Works and Support Services, including several road ditch and piping projects, speed tables, pothole repair and new blue recycling bins. “The city’s new blue recycling bins have been a big hit with the residents,” Keller said. “The city provided residents with bigger recycling carts that hold twice as much newspaper, aluminum and glass. With the new 96-gallon recycling carts, the city collected a whopping 300% more recyclable material. I’d like to thank our residents for doing the recycling. I’d also like to thank our local Eagle Scouts who helped … assemble thousands of blue recycling carts.” Upgrades to sanitation routes, garbage trucks, service times, vehicle repairs and maintenance were also among Public Works contributions, Keller said. Support Services completed the new Ocoee Lakeshore Center, the largest events center in West Orange County, and human relations programs included Martin Luther King Day Jr. festivities, the Black History Month Essay Contest and Fiesta de Colores, Keller said. Support Services also upgraded the city’s cable channel, website, police IT functions and code enforcement, Keller said. For 2015, projects include development along state roads 429 and 50, a senior care living facility, a Walmart liquor store and Orlando Health Central, Vandergrift said. The city staff shared a video highlighting city-sponsored events in 2014: the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade, the Black History Month Essay Contest, Spring Fling, Memorial and Veterans days festivities, Movie in the Park, Fiesta de Colores, the Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade and, of course, Founders’ Day. To view this video, visit wotimes.com. A DVD of the report is available at City Hall for $1.50. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.
West Orange Times The West Orange Times (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $21.50 per year ($35 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 West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the West Orange Times are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the West Orange Times, 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. © Copyright 2015 Observer Media Group All Rights Reserved
opinion | our view
ISIS crucifies Christians in Iraq.
Iraqis prepare to bury their children.
Never Again? This symbol is the Arabic letter N for Nasrani, or Christians. In Mosul, Iraq, the letter was placed on homes to mark the Christian occupants.
If not we, then who will stop them? Dear Readers: Congress last week al Qaeda has “grown fourfold in All of the associates in our company, Observer Methe last five years” and is “the major security chaldia Group Inc., live by a mission statement that says lenge of our generation.” we are committed “to inspire our communities with And what is our response? extraordinary local content and to help our partners Little if anything to make a difference. There is no prosper.” urgency, no determination, no convincing commitWeek after week in our newspapers and on our ment from the president. His response is so feckless, websites, we focus on local news, events and people, it’s as if he is willingly letting the Islamic extremists attempting to inform and sometimes entertain you advance their wicked cruelty and ideology. on what is happening to “you, your neighbors and Congress is no better — nattering politicians in your neighborhood. their starched shirts and striped ties; disorganized, We know you don’t look to us for national or interfractured; all talk no action; afraid to step out of politnational news and commentary. ical protocol. But this week, we are departing from our mission, Yes, we all have our reservations, misgivings and with the hope and intention to inspire you to act: To objections about sending our troops to battle and beurge our nation’s elected public servants in Washingcoming entangled again in the Middle East. “We can’t ton to execute overwhelming decisive force from the be the world’s policeman,” so the line goes. United States against an enemy that has proven to be But here is what Americans should ask: as evil, if not more so, than the Nazi exterminators. For decades, millions around the world have said, If not we, the United States, then who? “Never Again.” Never another Holocaust. Never another diabolical, megalomaniacal Hitler. Never again There is no one. No other nation with the might, the atrocities against mankind that occurred under the ingenuity or the ability to muster the will, courage the Nazi regime. and commitment to do whatever is necessary to end But they are back. Different, but just as horrific. this slaughtering of innocents, to destroy this mortal And despite the president’s refusal to identify them, enemy of western values and civilization. all of America and the world know who this enemy is And there is no one else to do it now. and what its objective is: radYou talk to your neighbors. ical Islamic extremists who You read and watch the want to annihilate all Jews news. You see how terrorism HOW TO WIN and Christians and establish is spreading. You see history “One: You accept that you are in a a Muslim-ruled world that repeating. war. Two: You name the enemy, Islamist exterminates modernity. The world is worried; you terrorists. Three: You get the lawyers off Day after day, we see in are worried. You know, ultithe battlefield […] you accept there will newspapers and on TV, webmately, it will be here. be collateral damage and you do not sites and social media, grueWe urge you then: Let your apologize for it. some videos and photos, like public servants in Wash“You do not nation build, you don’t try the ones above, of the most ington hear from you. Their to hold ground. You go wherever in the heinous, barbaric crimes top priority is to protect you world the terrorists are and you kill them, against humanity. And yet from harm and from being you do your best to exterminate them, little seems to be done to enslaved and slaughtered by and then you leave, and you leave behind stop the perpetrators. Go foreign invaders. smoking ruins and crying widows. down the list: Boko Haram, The people of the Western “If in five or 10 years, they reconstitute Al Nusra, al Qaeda, ISIS, AsWorld said, “Never Again.” and you’ve got to go back, you go back sad, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran, We must show — now — we and do the same thing, and you never, Putin in Ukraine. Relentless meant it. never, never send American troops into a in their determination and war you don’t mean to win.” destruction. Retired Army — Ret. Army Lt. Col. Ralph Peters Vice Chief of Staff and four— Matt Walsh, Editor/CEO star Gen. Jack Keane told Observer Media Group
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CONTACT US The West Orange Times is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The West Orange Times 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 West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.
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“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
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
WOTimes.com
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programs that get kids moving. Orange County Public Schools officials have posted “Five Facts about Recess in Orange County” on its site. Among the facts is this: “Fifty-seven percent of 1,940 OCPS teachers surveyed believe they do not have adequate time to teach the new Florida Standards during the current school day. During this challenging transition time to more demanding standards and testing, it would be difficult to mandate a reduction of instructional minutes.” “Principals have discretion to offer recess or not based on the needs at their school,” said Kathy Marsh, senior manager of media relations for Orange County Public Schools. “Recess would never be a detriment. Most schools would welcome recess. The challenge is fitting all the state requirements for learning into a school day regarding time and incorporating recess along with the mandatory 30 minutes daily of physical education class.” Florida Statute 1012.01(2) mandates 150 minutes of physical education per week for elementary students, excluding recess. This does not mean just gym class. “There are other ways,” Orange County School Board District 4 member Pam Gould said. “Several of my schools have walking, times of the day where teachers have breaks but are allowed to be more flexible with that time. Instead of 9:50 recess for everyone in third grade, it’s perhaps after math module.” Gym is typically three days per week, with maybe other physical education or unprescribed recess on the other two days, Gould said. “Some schools perform better than others and have specialty programs,” she said. “The principals and teams
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
there really work together to try to do what’s best for the kids.” That includes effects on other classes, despite wanting more recess, Gould said. “We might not fully understand the repercussions on the other side, taking from music, art, and other things that enhance skills and build creativity,” she said. “It’s really looking at the whole process. We have to get the state to stop mandating so much stuff.” Among the state’s mandates for elementary schools are the following, Gould said: 90 minutes daily for reading; 30 minutes each day for reading enrichments; 60 minutes of math per day; 30 minutes of language arts each day; 120 minutes of science per week; 60 minutes per week for social studies; and about a half-hour for lunch each day. Adding the physical-education mandate put the total for these mandates at an average of more than five hours per day, leaving about an hour most days and nine minutes on shortday Wednesdays. Add even 30 minutes per week for special classes such as art, music, computers and a foreign-language course. That would leave two hours and 45 minutes per week, an average of 33 minutes per day, excluding time between classes and gifted programs. “In some schools, we have gifted or intervention programs, so we pull them out for that,” Gould said. “They may go to a separate classroom during that time.” With teachers seeking more time to teach and parents demanding daily recess, school staffs struggle to divvy time. “All of us need that break, and we do well when we can get our bodies moving and juices flowing,” Gould said. “Kids need to burn off energy, certainly. I don’t think anybody’s against recess. It’s the mandating of recess. If we, as a board, mandate recess and a
program like Windy Ridge has enrichment, a walking club and already doing free movers with the teachers, then we mandate it and they get rid of that enrichment program.” Until the school board can balance schedules, it must find more ways to restructure the day or work with what it has, Gould said. “I don’t ever want to see art, music, performing arts, robotics, STEM classes eliminated because they have to have 30 minutes of PE every day,” she said. “I want to be able to figure out how to balance. It’s not as much a pro and con as how do we negotiate to the right balance.” Gould is hopeful the Florida Legislature is listening to concerns of parents, students and staffs, which could lead to finding that balance, she said. “They realize while we all want accountability, there’s been consequences with mandates of accountability,” she said. “I certainly think parents who have brought recess to the front are helping that conversation. We’ve had some really good discussions with some legislators about how we can tweak some of the measures that may have unintended consequences.” And these problems do not end with elementary school. “In high school, we have orchestras, bands, choirs, drama; they haven’t figured out how to examine a teacher at the end of that to show progress,” Gould said. “We don’t then have means to give (good) teachers of that a raise. That’s silly. It helps kids learn to be part of a team and get confidence on stage. That was not the intent of the accountability piece. We need to figure out how to make it work without our kids losing out on enrichment. It is very important for building career skills. We don’t want robots. We want problem-solvers.” Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.
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I don’t ever want to see art, music, performing arts, robotics, STEM classes eliminated because they have to have 30 minutes of PE every day. I want to be able to figure out how to balance. — Pam Gould, Orange County Public School Board, District 4 representative
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Wear yellow for Aubrey each Thursday as she heals. This is a powerful, positive visual statement of love, support and prayers for her family and our community. Windermere Elementary Facebook
CLARK / PAGE 1A Aubrey has been in the intensive-care unit at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children since the incident. According to an Ocoee Police Department update, Aubrey remained in critical condition following a second surgery Jan. 30 to relieve brain swelling. Recent reports stated there was 80% damage to the left side of her brain and 20% to her right, as well as some to her cerebral cortex. Family friends are posting updates on the Aubrey’s Angels Facebook page, including this message Tuesday morning: “Good morning, Aubrey’s Angels supporters. On behalf of Aubrey’s family, we would like to thank you for all of the continued love and support that you have shown. It really is amazing! There are no major changes in Aubrey’s condition. She remains in critical condition in ICU. An MRI is scheduled later on this week.” More than 6,100 people are following the Facebook posts and staying apprised of Aubrey’s situation. A prayer sheet was shared for anyone interested in signing up for a 10-minute prayer slot, and friends set up a website to coordinate meals to be taken to the hospital: takethemameal. com (password is 2004). Teachers at Citrus Elementary posted a Facebook photo of them wearing yellow last Friday with a message: “Let’s honor Aubrey from Citrus Elementary in hopes of a speedy recovery. All proceeds raised will go to Aubrey and her family.” Social media has been extremely helpful in sharing information about area fundraisers to help the Clarks with soaring medical bills. In the last week, a group of young people washed cars
at Tijuana Flats in Winter Garden, a bingo benefit was held at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, and children in two neighborhoods, including Aubrey’s, set up lemonade stands. A shooting-range event took place in St. Cloud, and a blood drive was held at the Orlando Fire Department’s Station 1.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Aubrey’s father, Danny Clark, is a firefighter with the Osceola County Fire Department, and departments across Central Florida have reached out to the Clark family, including the Volusia County firefighters, who donated $1,600 to the family. Fellow firefighters and leaders at the Osceola department have provided constant support to Clark since the crash two weeks ago. Osceola FD Benevolent, a 501c3 organization that assists firefighters and the public through charitable work, has set up an account to help cover expenses related to having a child in the hospital. Donations have been pouring in from the community, as well as students across West Orange County. Lindsay Tabora, Aubrey’s fifth-grade teacher, said Citrus students are spending more than the required dollar for the spirit bracelets, and parents are giving in the car rider line and at the front office. Westbrooke Elementary has sold 400 bracelets, Pinewood Elementary has sold 200, and other schools are requesting them. Ocoee Middle is donating its snack money. A photo was taken of the fifth-graders and the school staff in yellow, and a large print of the picture is being hung on Aubrey’s hospital wall for encouragement. And this was posted on Facebook by Windermere Elementary: “Wear yellow for
FUNDRAISERS
Multiple events have been planned in the coming weeks to raise funds for Aubrey Clark’s family. Anyone wanting to make a donation but unable to attend a fundraiser can do so on this website: osceolafdbenevolent.org. • FEB. 8 — A silent auction on various donated gifts takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at Mulberry Street Bar and Grill, 3831 Avalon Park Blvd., Orlando. To donate an item, contact Bill Gross at wgro335@aol. com. • FEB. 14-15 — Aubrey’s Angels Charity Baseball Tournament at Osceola County Softball Complex, 1900 Ballpark Road, Kissimmee. The registration fee is $200 for 9U-12U; there are no umpire fees. All teams will be accepted, including Little League, AAU, USSSA, GSA, Nations and Triple Crown. • FEB. 21 — “Workout of the Day” for Aubrey at CrossFit Panoply, 2004 Jaffa Drive, Suite B, St. Cloud. It starts at 9 a.m. • FEB. 28 — Fla_ Flossin Truck Meet at Frank’s Place, 146 N. Clarke Road, Ocoee. The event starts at 6 p.m. There is a $10 registration fee. Aubrey each Thursday as she heals. This is a powerful, positive visual statement of love, support and prayers for her family and our community.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
EDUCATION by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
New Sunset Park Elementary principal returns to her roots Janet Zweifel has come back to the West Orange community to serve as a leader in the area in which she was raised. WINDERMERE — Carol Russ has been a fixture at Sunset Park Elementary ever since the school was opened to the Windermere community in 2007. But after 34 years of service for Orange County Public Schools, Russ decided to retire. Her last day at Sunset Park was Dec. 19. “She was just loved by this community, so I had some big shoes to fill,” said Janet Zweifel Bittick, who was hired as the new principal and started the position Jan. 5.
their child’s school. The next step for the principal is to measure the school district’s expectations against what the school is achieving. “I want to ensure we’re meeting them at the highest level possible that really ensures the children are getting what they need,” Bittick said. Prior to accepting the assignment at Sunset Park Elementary, Bittick served as principal of West Creek Elementary in Courtesy photo Orlando for four years. Janet Bittick is leading Sunset Park THE NEW LEADER Before that, she was a Education was an ob- Elementary following former principal principal for 13 years vious choice for Janet Carol Russ’ retirement. in California. She said Bittick, whose sister is she returned to Cena teacher in Michigan and en an opportunity to speak tral Florida to be closer to whose grandmother was with the principal, who has family and to raise her own a teacher in a one-room held about six round-table children here. She lives in schoolhouse in Illinois. Windermere and has a son discussions with them. “I love children, and I “It’s an opportunity to tell and daughter who both atlearned early on that I love me what they love about the tend Bridgewater Middle working with kids,” she said. school, what they don’t love School. “I was so fortunate while I that they would like for us Bittick graduated from was (a student) at West Or- to look at, maybe things we West Orange High in 1988 ange High School; I did an don’t have that they would and earned her bachelor’s executive internship pro- like to see about us getting,” degree in elementary educagram through OCPS while she said. “I’ve done a lot of tion and her master’s degree a senior. I worked with an that community building in educational leadership amazing teacher (Patty … that’s really my big focus at the University of Central Goonen) at Windermere El- right now. And that will lead Florida. One of her first poementary School, and that me into what are our next sitions in education was as a second-grade teacher at Lake really confirmed that this is steps for our school.” what I wanted to do.” Parents have told her they Whitney Elementary the year When Bittick was hired want to see more activities it opened. In California, she needin December, she gave the for them “to create that comed further administrative community a chance to meet munity feel,” Bittick said. her. She said Sunset Park has credentials and attended She set out to meet every- enjoyed active involvement California State University one at the school, as well, from the parents. She en- Fullerton for two years. She visiting every classroom and courages open and frequent graduated from a leadership introducing herself to all of communication, emailing academy while on the West the teachers and staff to “get weekly newsletters with in- Coast, as well. Contact Amy Quesinberry a little bit of face time with formation and fliers attached them,” she said. so parents are always up-to- Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. Parents also have been giv- date on what’s going on at com.
COPS CORNER WEST ORANGE
OAKLAND JAN. 20
GRISLY DISCOVERY
15000 block of West Colonial Drive. Animal Incident. At about 7:28 p.m., officers responded to a complainant at a motel, who said he had seen two cat skins on the property a few weeks prior, and that a neighbor had found cat bones under a hut. Another motel informant said she had seen a cat skin and showed neighbors. A third informant said he had found cat bones near a gazebo couch on the property.
JAN. 21
BAD SITUATION
0 block of North Nixon Street. Battery. After 5 p.m., an officer reported to a rooming house regarding battery of a woman in an on-off romantic relationship. The woman said she and the suspect were staying at the house, when he would randomly snap at points between 11 a.m. Jan. 20 and 5 p.m. Jan. 21. He kicked her legs and bit or punched her face, she said, and choked her in her sleep. The complainant had bruises on her arms, legs and neck. She said he had made crazy statements since visiting his friend’s grave, such as spirits telling him money and snakes are inside him. She found cuts in his side as if he were trying to cut out snakes. She informed his mother, who said the white girl had placed a voodoo spell on him.
JAN. 22
DRUG BUST
17000 block of West Colonial Drive. Drug Possession. An officer stopped a car with a faulty taillight and issued a verbal warning before asking whether a search could be conducted. The driver said nothing illegal would be found and vacated the car with its two passengers. She took her purse with her, but the officer told her to put it back. While she did, the officer caught her trying to hide two needles, which later tested positive for heroin. The officer
handcuffed the driver and put her in the back of the patrol car. A search revealed more contents consistent with drug use. When told introducing drugs to jail was an additional crime, the arrested driver said she had two crack pipes in her pants.
OCOEE JAN. 16
VANDALISM
500 block of Flewelling Avenue. Criminal Mischief. An officer met with Parks and Recreation personnel around 11:15 a.m. regarding a report of graffiti on the east side of the press box at Central Park. The graffiti says “DOPEY” and is estimated at $100 of damage.
JAN. 17
BIKING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Palm Drive and 429 Beltway. Drug Possession. Officers stopped a suspect riding his bicycle without lights around 1:38 a.m. The suspect first agreed to a search but then said he did not agree. When officers asked again, they noticed an odor of alcohol and received answers they believed were hostile and defensive. An officer saw a bulge in the man’s pocket and asked him to identify it without reaching for it. The man called it a knife and began to reach for it, but officers subdued him and found crack in another pocket before arresting him.
JAN. 18
SPEEDSTER
Blackwood and Montgomery avenues. Drug Possession. An officer stopped a car traveling west on State Road 50 around 65 mph in a 45-mph zone at 3:27 a.m. At the traffic stop at the intersection of Blackwood and Montgomery avenues, the driver provided a mutilated license and rental car information. The officer noticed a plastic container with cannabis between the feet of a man in the passenger seat. A search did not find additional drugs, so the passenger was arrested on charges of possession of 3 grams of cannabis.
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CALL STATS OCOEE FIRE The Ocoee Fire Department (stations 25, 26, 38 and 39) reported 102 calls for assistance from Jan. 15 to 21: Fires: 2 EMS: 72 Vehicle accidents: 7 Hazardous materials/conditions: 0 Public service: 18 False alarms: 3 OCOEE POLICE The Ocoee Police Department reported 845 calls for service from Jan. 15 to 21: Arrests (adult): 20 Arrests (juvenile): 1 Assault/battery: 5 Burglary (residential and business): 5 Burglary (vehicle): 2 Child abuse: 2 Criminal mischief: 0 Drug violations: 3 DUI: 5 Homicide: 0 Robbery: 1 Sexual battery: 0 Thefts: 5 Vehicle accidents: 19 Vehicle thefts: 0 Missing/endangered adult: 1 Missing/runaway juvenile: 1 WINDERMERE POLICE The Windermere Police Department reported 114 calls for assistance from Jan. 19 to 25. WINTER GARDEN FIRE The Winter Garden Fire Department (stations 22, 23 and 24) reported 92 calls for assistance from Jan. 11 to 17: Fires: 3 EMS: 77 Vehicle accidents: 4 Automatic fire alarms: 5 Public assistance: 2 Hazardous conditions: 1 Calls for service: 5 WINTER GARDEN POLICE The Winter Garden Police Department reported 455 calls for service from Jan. 15 to 21: Arrests (adult): 23 Arrests (juvenile): 4 Assault/battery: 10 Burglary (residential and business): 4 Burglary (vehicle): 0 Child abuse: 0 Criminal mischief: 3 Drug violations: 10 DUI: 0 Robbery: 0
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Friday, February 13, 2015 2pm-3:30pm
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Neighborhood W E S T O R A N G E L I F E | S C H O O L S | C L U B S | FA I T H
WOTIMES.COM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
CLASS ACT by Michael Eng | Executive Editor
Elizabeth Whittaker knew all the moves to the special dance. Left: Carmin Lepp was excited to show his support for KCC Orange.
Benedict Troung was ready to boogie.
Zoey Waton watched the choreographers carefully. Left: Lionel Sanaroo and the rest of the KCC Orange students had a little fun at the end of the dance.
DANCE FEVER The students at Kids Community College Orange County Elementary performed a choreographed dance routine Jan. 29 in support of National School Choice Week.
The event held at the West Orange charter school was one of more than 11,000 held nationwide to support alternative education options for children.
Above: Lisa Campos concentrated during the dance. Left: Mason Glifford was proud to wave his School Choice scarf.
Rui Morris didn’t mind the extra time outside.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
CLASS NOTES
DIFFERENT... COME SEE
Thank you!
+ W.O. natives earn accolades Several West Orange-area students received academic accolades at their respective colleges following the fall semester. • Christopher Brooks, of Ocoee, earned a spot on Hofstra University’s (Hempstead, New York) provost’s list. He achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average during the fall 2014 semester to earn the honor. • Tori Brown, of Windermere, achieved Brenau University’s (Gainesville, Georgia) merit list honors for the fall 2014 semester. Merit list students must maintain a 3.5 grade-point average while carrying 12 to 14 semester hours of course work with no grade lower than “B” in that semester. Brown is a senior majoring in health science (pre-occupational therapy). • Manuela Herrera, of Windermere, was named to the fall 2014 dean’s list at Bucknell University (Lewisburg, Pennsylvania). Dean’s list students have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0. Manuela is the daughter of Eduardo and Adriana Herrera. • Kellan Hoffman, of Winter Garden, was named to the Troy University chancellor’s list. The list honors full-time undergraduate students who registered for 12 semester hours and earned a grade point average of 4.0. • Ciera Horton, of Orlando, was named to Wheaton College’s (Illinois) dean’s list for the fall 2014 semester. To earn dean’s list honors at Wheaton, an undergraduate student must carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on the 4.0 scale. Horton is majoring in English. • Angerene MitchellMatthews, of Winter Garden, was named to the Graceland University (Lamoni, Iowa) pres-
9A
The students in the SunRidge Elementary Recycling Club are making a big impact on the school. Students Anthony Yelvington, Adara Luzio, Isabella Stephenson, Heavenly Brunson and Joseph Gonzalez collect recycling from classrooms several mornings and afternoons each week. As SunRidge Elementary prepares to become a member of the OCPS Green School Recognition Program, it is looking for sustainable ways to impact the school and community such as conserving water and energy and inviting families to carpool or walk to school to eliminate harmful emissions. ident’s list for the 2014 fall semester. Graceland students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the list. • Anthony S. Mattson, of Winter Garden, was one of 320 students named to the dean’s list at Herkimer College (New York). Herkimer students must earn a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.79 to receive the honor. • Cynthia Underwood, of Winter Garden, was named to the dean’s list at Springfield College School of Human Services Tampa Bay.
Giovanni Mannella, of Winter Garden, earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Deryl Snyder, of Winter Garden, received an MBA in technology management Jiawei Zhang, of Windermere, earned a master’s degree in computer science. • Two West Orange natives earned degrees during Clemson
The qualifying has ended for anyone that might have wanted to vie for the District 2 City of Winter Garden Commissioner position I now hold. No one opposed me, so, for the next 3 years, I will continue to have that position. I would like to thank everyone who supported me in the past and who will support me in the future. It is with great honor I accept this opportunity to serve not only District 2 but also all the citizens of our great city of Winter Garden!!! For anyone that would like to stop by and congratulate me, I will be hosting a reception in the 2nd floor ballroom of the Roper Building on February 5th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Bob Buchanan
University’s (South Carolina) graduation ceremonies, held Dec. 18, 2014, in Littlejohn Coliseum. Troy Stewart Hall, of Windermere, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering Marissa Pachera Mannella, of Winter Garden, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
+ Local students complete college • Anthony John Marzano, of Ocoee, was among 847 students from Miami University (Ohio) who received degrees during fall commencement exercises Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 in Millett Hall. Marzano received a master’s degree in teaching. • Three West Orange-area students graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology during its 248th commencement exercises.
Second-graders in Kathleen Anish’s class at Whispering Oak Elementary School recently enjoyed a fun-filled field trip to the Orlando History Museum. Pictured: Anish, Katherine Miracle, Emma Ganesh, Josiah Esteves, Ryan Steinman, Isaiah Gillard, Nicolas Kim, Landon DeTizio, Amanda Itwaru, Adriana Mendez, Tristan Perreault, Rizabella Zantua and Philip Mankes.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
nberry Rhode CONTEST by Amy Quesi
| Community Editor
lds the on her honeymoon, ho Kam Prince Bratkovich, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, in the West Orange Times at d. Icelan
David and Cindy Benoit, of MetroW est, were stranded in Burlington, Vermont, for a few days during a Christmas vacation, and they took a picture with the West Orange Times in front of a pile of snow.
Marcia Praysner, left, of Ocoee, is the Best Photo winner in the 2014 Travelin’ Times contest. She and her sister, Cheryl Borgman, of Grandville, Michigan, attended Art Prize 2014 in Grand Rapids, an international art competition. One of the exhibits was called “Breathe – living artwork,” where they pulled out their newspaper for a photo.
And the winners are …
You could say the West Orange Times achieved worldwide reach in 2014. When we announced the new contest last summer, we had no idea how popular it would become. West Orange County residents submitted 69 photos of themselves holding the newspaper in various locations around the United States and overseas. The Times went to 19 states and 17 countries. We went on cruises; we posed with dogs and children. A congressman traveled to Washington, D.C., with us, and four members of our staff took us on vacation.
Readers took us to castles, a university, a seafood festival, a heritage society convention and another newspaper office. We were taken to snow-covered areas and the beach. We celebrated the Fourth of July. We saw the Grand Canyon, the Santa Monica Pier, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Big Ben, the Brandenburg Gate and the Sydney Opera House. We visited China, Iceland, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Greece, Sweden, Scotland and Italy. Readers took us everywhere.
The envelope, please
In the 2014 contest, the West
Orange Times is awarding prizes in two categories: Farthest Traveled and Best Photo. Two winners will receive $250 apiece. George Houston II and his wife, Lisa McIntyre, are the winners of the Farthest Traveled Award for taking their local newspaper on their overseas adventure in October. The trip, Houston said, “was to celebrate me turning 50 this year and also commemorate my dad, who died in Vietnam in 1964 at the Battle of Nam Dong. … I never met him, so this was a way to try to get to know him
by walking in his footsteps.” The couple visited the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, as well as HaLong Bay, Vietnam. Coming in a close second place were Al and Sharyn Davidoff, who packed their newspaper when they traveled to Australia last fall. The winner of the Best Photo contest is Marcia Praysner, of Ocoee, who attended Art Prize 2014 in Grand Rapids, Michigan in September. She and her sister photographed themselves with the paper at one of the exhibits, “Breathe — living artwork.”
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When the Rodney Armstead family, of Ocoee, took a trip to Costa Rica last summer, they took their weekly newspaper with them, and Maddie Armstead holds it up at Manuel Antonio National Park.
Jann and Jim Martin, of Ocoee, visited a spot on historic Route 66, in Normal, Illinois, and held the newspaper in front of the widely recognized sign.
Mardi Gabriel, left, of Windermere, stopped at a red telephone box in London, England, for a photo with her West Orange Times. She was in the United Kingdom to help her son and daughterin-law, Matt and Katharyne Gabriel, and their two children, Elizabeth and Luke, move to Surrey, England, from their previous home in Atlanta.
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The Windermere Town Council cheered Mayor Gary Bruhn for his Sam Hovsepian Award.
Zak Kerr
AWARDS / PAGE 1A Jim Densmore, of Parkland International Realty, was named Ambassador of the Year and also received the Lifetime Director Award. Dr. Barbara Jenkins, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, received the Mary VanDeventer “The Spirit of West Orange” Award. Dick Batchelor, of Dick Batchelor Management Group Inc., was recognized with The George Bailey Award. Matthew’s Hope Ministries Inc. received the Bert Roper Award. Randy June, of June Engineering Consultants Inc., was the recipient of the Danniel J. Petro — The Bright Future of West Orange Award. Right: Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins received the Mary VanDeventer “The Spirit of West Orange” Award, given to a woman who demonstrates excellence in her profession and inspires other women to succeed.
Jim Densmore came away with plenty of hardware — the Ambassador of the Year Award and the Lifetime Director Award.
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Betsy VanderLey, right, received the Chairman’s Award from Lynetta Tipton Steed and David Billsborough.
Matthew’s Hope founder Scott Billue and Executive Director Karen Gowing received the Bert Roper Award.
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Representing the town of Oakland were Commissioner Joseph McMullen, left, Town Manager Dennis Foltz, Mayor Kathy Stark and Commissioner Rick Polland.
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THURSDAY, FEB. 5 “A Splash of Color” Meet the Artists — 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at SoBo Art Gallery,127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. “A Splash of Color” will feature juried original artworks of varied subject matter and will be on exhibition in the gallery during its annual fundraising event and through February. For more, visit wgart.org. Chinese Watercolor with Lian Zhen — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb.5, through Friday, Feb. 6, at The ArtRoom, 709 Main St., Windermere. Learn the spontaneous and detailed styles of Chinese painting. Students will explore the techniques of using Chinese brush painting materials as well as learning composition and design. Zhen will show the techniques step by step, allowing students to practice between demos. Students will create one or two paintings each day. The class is $225, and Chinese supplies are $35. Lunch is included. Reservations are required. To register, call (407) 909-1869.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Jazz NOTEWORTHY
by Michael Eng | Executive Editor
AND ALL THAT
The fifth annual HapCO Sunshine Jazz Festival will feature one of the world’s top jazz trombonists, Yamaha Performing Artist Wycliffe Gordon. OCOEE — With just a few notes from his trombone, Wycliffe Gordon commands attention from his audience. It’s not uncommon for listeners to stare at the stage — dumbfounded by the sound emanating from the bell of the horn. Musicians marvel at Gordon’s power, his unmistakable voice and his ability to conjure sounds that baffle other horn players. Gordon’s mastery has earned him some of jazz’s most prestigious awards. He was named “Best in Trombone” by the Downbeat Critics Poll in 2012 and 2013, and the Jazz Journalists Association named him “Trombonist of the Year” in eight of the last 14 years. This weekend, Gordon will be the featured performer at the fifth annual HapCO Sunshine Jazz Festival, which takes place Saturday, Feb. 7, at Ocoee High School. The festival is a fundraiser for the local HapCO Music Foundation, the brainchild of Oakland Town Com-
By Olivia Wilcox
Maud Hixson
FRIDAY, FEB. 6 Maud Hixson — 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Pilars Martini, 146 W. Plant St., No. 120, Winter Garden. Minneapolis world-class vocalist Maud Hixson and her husband, pianist Rick Carlson, will perform classic jazz and popular songs of the 20th century. (407) 369-8900
missioner Joseph “Patrick” McMullen that seeks to support educational arts programs, particularly in low-income communities. McMullen and Gordon struck up a friendship after meeting in 1985 as members of the Florida A&M University Marching Band. In past years, Gordon was performing on a cruise ship out of the country when the West Orange festival took place. This year, however, the dates lined up perfectly. “My father was a musician — a classical pianist and organist at our church,” Gordon says. “So, I grew up listening to spiritual hymns and things like that. Music was a big part of our lives.” Gordon cut his jazz teeth on some of the genre’s early innovators, including legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong. Armstrong’s recognizable sound and style caught the young Gordon’s ear and has remained a key influence ever since.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14A
“Doubt, A Parable” — Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. A special Industry Night will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. In this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama Newsday hails as “passionate, exquisite, important and engrossing,” “Doubt, A Parable” follows a Catholic high school priest’s battle for truth and personal integrity. Tickets are $25 for general admission or $21 for students and seniors. To purchase, visit gardentheatre. org/plays.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7 “Millions of Cats” Puppetry Workshop — 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Presented by Bits ‘n Pieces Puppet Theatre , children ages 6 through 12 will use their imagination to draw, create and perform a puppet show based on Wanda Gág’s “Millions of Cats.” For more information, call (407) 835-7323.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8 “My Funny Valentine, A Wine and Cheese Concert” — 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. The Garden Community Choir invites guests to enjoy an evening of great music, wine, cheese, hors d’oeuvres and sunset views of Lake Apopka. The concert will feature an intimate setting and romantic ballads and love songs, performed by members of the Garden Community Choir, Garden Chamber Choir, Sounds Like Chicken men’s a cappella group and more. General admission tickets start at $20. VIP tables are available. For tickets and more information, visit gardencommunitychoir.org.
Jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is known for his unique sound.
Courtesy photo
SMOOTH MOVES by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
Windermere Prep Dance wins regional open jazz title The team’s coaches want to establish the top dance team in West Orange. WINDERMERE — Among several schools from around the state, Windermere Preparatory School Dance Team garnered six awards at it first Universal Dance Association Florida Regional Championships Jan. 19 in Orlando. The team of 38 girls, ranging from 11 to 17 years old and grades six to 12, won sixth place in the high-school jazz competition, fifth place among middle-school jazz entries and first place for its open jazz routine. Jazz has been a particular focus for the team this school year, coach Allison Harley said. “Coach Stephanie Crane and I watched a lot of videos,
and where our school lacks is the technique area, and jazz is one of those dances,” she said. “We didn’t focus on things like hip-hop, because our girls need better body control. Our girls have been working on jazz technique throughout the season.” That work paid off, as the squad fared well among 250 to 300 dancers participating in this event, which was open to the entire state, Harley said. “This is only our third year as a dance team,” she said. “We’ve been up and down with dance and then cheer. This is only its first year
SEE DANCE TEAM / 15A
Courtesy photo
Windermere Prep sent 38 girls to UDA’s Florida Regional Dance Championship.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
JAZZ / PAGE 13A “A lot of young players go to bebop (a style of jazz that became popular in the early- and mid-1940s), but I went back to the beginning,” he says. “Part of what separates them (the early players) was their sound. When Louis Armstrong plays or sings, there is no question that it’s him.” In 2011, Gordon paid homage to Armstrong with the release of “Hello Pops, A Tribute to Louis Armstrong.” He currently serves on the faculty of the Jazz Arts Program at Manhattan School of Music. He has published several books, including “This Rhythm On My Mind” and “Sing It First.” “Jazz is important for students to know — it’s our (America’s) contribution to the arts,” Gordon says. “It’s an artform people enjoy all over the world. I remember in 1989, and I was at the Berlin Wall. If looks could kill, I wouldn’t be here now — they did not like me because I was American. But later, when we were playing music, everybody was smiling. Throughout history, music has been a universal language, and it brings folks together.” Gordon says he is excited to share his craft with the young West Orange students. “As a professional musician, I never forget those moments when someone took the time to show me something or teach
me something,” he says. “I can relate everything I do now back to those moments. So, I appreciate that chance to show music to others, because I know how much that meant to me.” In addition to Gordon, Miami-based jazz singer LeNard Rutledge, the University of Florida Jazz Band and the Ocoee High School Jazz Band all will perform at this year’s festival. Rutledge, who met McMullen in 1981 in high school marching band, knows the story behind the name, HapCO. “In marching band, we gave all the new kids nicknames,” he says, laughing. “His was ‘Happy Head,’ because he had a round head. Then, we called him Haps, so now, you have HapCO.” Rutledge was a member of the percussion section in high school and later took his musical talents to St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina. But, when he saw that the band’s drummer was a more proficient jazz player, Rutledge asked the director for a chance to sing. His first song: the standard “Teach Me Tonight.” In 1997, he moved back to Miami and served as the featured vocalist for the Melton Mustafa Orchestra until 2003. He has shared the stage with many jazz artists, such as the late George Duke, Kirk Whalum and Nnena Freelon. This weekend, he’ll be performing
IF YOU GO HAPCO SUNSHINE JAZZ FESTIVAL WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 WHERE: Ocoee High School, 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee DETAILS: Concert will feature Yamaha Performing Artist Wycliffe Gordon, jazz vocalist LeNard Rutledge, the University of Florida Jazz Band, the Ocoee High School Jazz Band, dance, spoken word and art TICKETS: $7 for students and $12 for adults in advance; $15 for students and $20 for adults the day of the show. WEBSITE: hapcopromo.org with the University of Florida Jazz Band, led by UF Jazz Studies Director Scott Wilson. “We’re going to swing hard, and we’re going to play some modern arrangements as well as some of the classics,” Wilson says of his band’s upcoming performance. Wilson and UF have been longtime supporters of HapCO and appreciate the opportunity to share their love of jazz. “Joseph McMullen is one of my heroes,” Scott says. “He’s just a class act.” Contact Michael Eng at meng@wotimes.com.
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There are high schools in places like Seminole County with dance programs around 20 or more years. Here in West Orange County, there really isn’t a school that has that. It would be great for Windermere Prep to represent that side of the county. — Coach Allison Harley, Windermere Preparatory School Dance Team
DANCE TEAM / PAGE 13A adding middle-school girls. They came in fifth place, which wasn’t last, so as a coach, I was ecstatic, and they were, too. Our season is yearlong, but we’re winding down after the next competition. We prepare all year long for this.” That next competition will not be UDA Nationals, because of scheduling conflicts, but Champion Dance Nationals Feb. 28, where the three aforementioned groups and some soloists will perform, Harley said. “We (have done) a national competition held in Orlando that works the same as UDA,” Harley said of the Champion Dance event. “It’s more of a tour company that gets
schools all over to come compete, but they include the Disney and Universal packages. But it’s not a national qualifier or anything. If you want to be anything in the dance world, as far as schools are concerned, you need to go to UDA.” Even so, having a jazz group that won first place at regionals was one of several big steps for the program. “It was to a song by the a cappella group Pentatonix,” Harley said. “The open category means it’s basically jazz, but you have other techniques, as well. The staple was one big kick line of 28 people. The song was the Daft Punk medley Pentatonix put together. That made it a more eclectic piece. People told me they loved the dance
and didn’t want it to end with all of the elements in it. There was jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, kick. And there’s always power in numbers, even if it is easy choreography. Twenty-eight people up there doing the same thing looks really good.” Three soloists also won awards: Celeste Lin finished 10th; Emily Whitt received sixth place; and sixth-grader Haley Park won the second-place trophy in her first competitive solo, Harley said. “She practiced every day,” Harley said of Park. “She actually learned her solo in probably less than an hour. I just gave her all the choreography, and from there we cleaned it. I know she practiced every day to get sharper, improve technique, stretching every single day.”
WOTimes.com Although Park felt intimidated as a first-time soloist on a big stage with no one else to feed off for energy, she knew she had to perform bigger and tell her story, Harley said. Park is determined to get first place Feb. 28, despite competing against a broader division of middle-schoolers, including teammates, she said. The success of all of the dancers at this event will be a building block for what Harley hopes will be the preeminent school dance team in West Orange County, she said. “My goal is to establish a well-known name for the program,” she said. “There are high schools in places like Seminole County with dance programs around 20 or more years. Here in West Orange County, there really isn’t a school that has that. It would be great for Windermere Prep to represent that side of the county.” Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.
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WRITTEN WORD by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
Genealogical search reveals untold stories A Winter Garden native discovers America’s first black people while searching for her husband’s ancestors. WINTER GARDEN — As a child, Kathryn Hall-Knight used to spend hours in the Beulah Cemetery with her great-grandmother, picnicking among her ancestors’ gravestones and learning stories about each of the family members who went before her. HallKnight is a seventh-generation Winter Garden resident; the first in her family to settle in the Beulah area was Rawlins Lowndes Reaves (1810-1901), who is buried in the cemetery off of Beulah Road, south of West Colonial Drive in Winter Garden. She found documentation in archives and court records, lending credence to her great-grandmother’s stories, and before long, she was researching her family tree, discovering roots in some familial lines as far back as the 600s. She was able to trace her husband Tom’s ancestors back to the 1600s, and in December 2007, she gave her father-inlaw, Bo Knight, a family tree of his direct lineage back more than 400 years. But, he wanted to know, what about the Minorcan heritage he always heard about through his grandmother’s line, the senator’s wife? This sent Hall-Knight on a journey that traced his ancestry to prerevolutionary times and to the founding of America. She also discovered that his heritage was not Minorcan, but Melungeon, a mixture of English, African and American Indian. And the senator was actually Bo Knight’s grandfather, whose wife’s mother’s line was Melungeon. “What I didn’t expect — none of us did — was tracing his ancestry back to colonial times, to the very founding of our country, would allow me to discover Margaret and John,
two of the first Africans to arrive in the settlement of Virginia in 1619.” Margaret, at one time an indentured black servant, was the ninth-great-grandmother of Hall-Knight’s husband.
WRITING IT DOWN
The genealogist, using the pen name K.I. Knight, has written a book based on the information she unveiled during a seven-year search. “Fate & Freedom, Book I: The Middle Passage” is a fictional story told using historically documented facts and people. It takes place from 1619 to 1623. Hall-Knight describes her book, which published Feb. 1: “‘Fate & Freedom’ reveals the story of two young children, Margarita and Juan, captured during the Portuguese invasion of the Kingdom of Ndongo, high in the mountains of Angola. The year is 1619. Brutally, they are enslaved and shipped some 4,000 miles away to their doom in the silver mines of Mexico.” This ship was the San Juan Bautista, later dubbed the “Black Mayflower.” The description continues: “But, before the slaver can reach its destination, the ship is pirated by two English corsairs, and the children’s fate is set in motion by the Calvinist reverend turned privateer, Captain John Jope. Their new destination becomes a small English settlement in the new world, which will eventually become known as America.” The rescuing ship was the White Lion. Until recently, the story of the 8- and 6-year-old children — whose names were Anglicized to Margaret and John — was merely reduced to them being among the Africans transported by a Dutch captain to the
shores of Virginia. Hall-Knight did a genealogical check on every person she wrote about and researched all the locations and descriptions she discovered to ensure accuracy. Research was tedious, and at times, the writer felt like ending the project. But she kept receiving signs to move forward, she said, such as the random picture of a ship that had been among several paintings in a bulk purchase her husband made. It matched nothing else in the house, so she hung it in her home office. On one particularly frustrating day, she said a prayer and asked for guidance, “a sign that I should continue,” she said. She continued searching online, looking for information about the White Lion. “The first image to pop up was the same random picture that was on the wall above my desk,” she said. She continued her work. In another instance, after Hall-Knight commissioned Richard C. Moore to create the cover for her book, she learned that the artist’s wife is a direct descendant of the man who commissioned the San Juan Bautista to be built. In still another, she was faced with a stack of research books and frustration was mounting because she couldn’t find a missing piece of information, so she walked outside for some fresh air and a prayer, and when she returned to her office, a breeze blew a small paper book off her desk and upside-down onto the floor. When she flipped the book over, she said, the elusive fact was on that page.
TAKING IT ON THE ROAD
This month, the genealogist-turned-writer is attending
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Kathryn Hall-Knight signed copies of her book Feb. 3 at the WGHF History Research and Education Center before beginning a national book tour. a book-signing event in Jamestown, Virginia, one of the settings in her book, and will visit other historic cities nearby. In Hampton, Virginia, where a monument recognizing the “20 and odd” is being erected in 2019, she will speak at the Virginia Historical Society. She recently participated in a three-hour documentary with African Network Television, and it will be shown in an international broadcast at a later date, she said. A sequel to “Fate & Freedom” is finished and is now with an editor, Hall-Knight said. It will be published in the fall. She is
writing the third book now. The author is a member of the National Genealogy Society, as well as those in Florida and Virginia; and she belongs to the Virginia, Florida and National Maritime historical societies. She also writes the genealogy blog Kinfolk Detective. Her 400-page book is available in hardback on her website, firstfreedompublishing. com, as well as at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The website also offers it in electronic book format. Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
from the archives
OLD TIMES
75 YEARS AGO
The First Baptist Church was forced to postpone its annual every-member rollcall service because of the cold weather with so many of the members out working in the groves. Because of the cold weather, dances have not been held for the past two weeks at Trailer City.
45 YEARS AGO
Newly installed officers for 1970 of the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce include Lew C. Warden, president; James M. Pitchford, first vice president; Larry Joe Walker, second vice president; and Arthur W. “Jimmy” Sinclair, executive secretary. “Sweepers man your brooms” was the battle cry as the Inter Club Council marked its kickoff for its project to keep Lakeview High School clean. Pictured doing their part were Ann Duppenthaler, Diane Duppenthaler, Dale Duppenthaler, Sallye Adkins, Wini Davis, Bill Coleman, Tom Towles, Frank Watson and Steve Dunegan.
40 YEARS AGO
From an editorial: Many Lakeview Junior High School parents have called us to say “you ought to write an editorial” about the plans to hold double sessions at Ocoee High School next fall in order to accommodate two junior high schools on one campus (when the new West Orange High School will not be ready for opening). We are not inclined, however, to criticize the county school officials or the School Board. Winter Garden Police Chief Donald Ficke was acquitted of illegal wire-tapping charges in Keene, New Hampshire. He was indicted by a Keene grand jury in 1974 and charged with tapping a phone conversation while he was chief of the
special thanks to
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Gotha resident Peggy McNatt shared this early 1980s snapshot with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. It features a group of young Beulah Baptist Church members suitably attired for St. Valentine’s Day: Paul Daughtry, left, Kim Fleming, Karen Ross and Kevin Lindsey. The little white church on Beulah Road, in one of Orange Keene Police Department. The Keene City Council passed a resolution praising Ficke for his conduct while serving as police chief and recommended his immediate reinstatement as Winter Garden chief.
35 YEARS AGO
Preparing for the West Orange YMCA sustaining fund drive are committee members Denise Hall and Carolyn Greer, co-chairmen; the Rev. Roger Seidner; Dennis Broadaway; Larry Cappleman; Dan Dummett; Glen Bosley and Ben Hargrove. All
County’s oldest communities, continues to be a lively and active congregation. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center. gifts go to the development of more comprehensive programs in West Orange and the expansion of facilities. Sun First National Bank held an open house at its new branch in the Bay Hill Village Center. Betty Lou Forbes is manager, and Marie Sansbury is in charge of new accounts. Grand-opening prize was won by Gail Bell, wife of Jim Bell, tournament coordinator for the Bay Hill Classic. She got a check for $425 representing the number of silver dollars it takes to make a stack 5 feet 5 inches tall (Gail’s height).
TIMES OBITUARIES Dennis Byrd, 56, of Winter Garden, died Jan. 20, 2015. Collison Family Funeral Home & Crematory, Howell Branch Chapel, Winter Park.
John Hogue, 36, of Winter Garden, died Jan. 24, 2015. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Kelvin Jerome Davis, 53, of Winter Garden, died Jan. 17, 2015. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Apopka.
Octavio Mangual Jr., 74, of Winter Garden, died Jan. 9, 2015. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Donald Dowling, 81, of Ocoee, died Jan. 27, 2015. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Melinda Rider Newton, 65, of Ocoee, died Jan. 19, 2015. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Apopka.
Thomas C. Dugan Jr., 72, of Windermere, died Jan. 26, 2015. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Frances Holloway Sanders, 87, of Ocoee, died Jan. 21, 2015. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden Chapel.
William “Bob” Spears, 87, of Winter Garden, died Jan. 21, 2015. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home — Winter Garden. Barbara Stewart, 68, of Winter Garden, died Jan. 18, 2015. Gail & Wynn’s Mortuary. Mary Thurmond, 58, of Ocoee, died Jan. 5, 2015. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden. Sterling Ward, 66, of Orlando (formerly of Winter Garden), died on Jan. 16, 2015. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha.
Milton H. “Milt” Friedman, 81, of Windermere, died Jan. 30, 2015. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha. Joyce Hall, 61, of Ocoee, died Jan. 29, 2015. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden. John Richard Hamilton, 51, of Ocoee, died Jan. 27, 2015. All Faiths Funeral Alternatives and Cremation Service, Orlando.
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Ribbon Cuttings, Anniversaries and ‘We Noticed’ Awards
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for Cookies By Design located at 7545 W. Sand Lake Road Orlando, FL 32819. In 1983 Cookies By Design combined two popular gifts, flowers and cookies, into one deliciously delightful concept, the cookie bouquet. Twenty-five years later, customers continue to turn to Cookies by Design to help them deliver personal and creative expressions to others in a unique and fun way. For more information please visit www.centralfloridacookies.com. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory located at 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd., Ocoee, FL 34761. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory’s mission is to help you with any need you may face. Their experience, tact, diplomacy, and abilities makes their staff uniquely qualified to serve the special needs of those who come to them for assistance. They are committed to being the most professional, ethical, and highest quality funeral service organization in their industry. To learn more please visit www.degusipefuneralhome.com. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne. The office of Bruce Young, CFP – Financial Advisor Edward Jones, recently celebrated their 5th year anniversary. They serve the investment and financial planning needs of individuals and small business owners. They set themselves apart with a personalized level of service and a commitment to their client’s success. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for Relax In Comfort located at 4750 The Grove Drive, #116, Windermere, FL 34786. Since 1967, Relax In Comfort is a family owned and operated Back Care and Sleep Specialty Boutique. For almost 50 years, we have helped Central FL enhance their overall health by educating and providing the very best Power Adjustable Sleep Systems. We also help our customers relieve pain and stress at home with the World’s Best Massage Chairs and Zero Gravity Seating! Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
The West Orange Chamber recently celebrated Winter Garden Art Association’s 1st anniversary located at 127 South Boyd Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787. It took two long years to build a viable non-profit association, gallery and studio from the ground up while depending on their volunteers to refurbish the space, present workshops, staff the gallery and promote events while hanging and hosting public art openings for a new exhibit every month. Winter Garden has sensed the need and supported yet another welcome attraction! For more information please visit www.wgart.org. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for Smoothie King located at 4848 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., Orlando, FL 32819. Smoothie King’s vision is to be your first choice for nutritious on-the-go meals and snacks. They have a commitment to helping people live healthier lives through nutrition with their smoothies, enhancers, supplements and healthy snacks. All are both delicious and nutritious. Their welleducated staff has placed themselves in a position to recommend the best smoothie for your purpose. Whether it be for fitness, to slim down, wellness, more energy or just to take a break. All products are gluten free and recently two vegan flavors have been added to their smoothie selection. Photo courtesy of WOCC.
The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for The Salt Scene located at 4757 The Grove Drive, Ste. 124, Windermere, FL 34786. The Salt Scene is a halotherapy (salt therapy) spa which offers a natural and drug free method of relief for respiratory and skin conditions. Photo courtesy of WOCC.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Jules Joseph has 20 wins for Ocoee High wrestling. 3B
WOTIMES.COM
SIDELINES + Olympia names football coach Olympia Athletic Director Lauren Bradley announced Monday afternoon the hiring of Kyle Hayes to lead the Titans, replacing Tom Paolucci, who was not retained after going 1-8 in his second season. Hayes will be the fourth coach in Olympia football’s history. A Miami native, Hayes has been coaching as an assistant in the competitive South Florida region for the past 15 years, most recently working at Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines. The Flanagan Falcons went 13-1 this past season. Hayes has experience at the college level, having coached at Florida International University for two seasons, and has served as a head coach and defensive coordinator at the high school level. He will be on campus beginning Feb. 9 and will be teaching exception student education classes on campus.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
boys soccer by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
WOHS edges Evans in penalty kicks A deciding penalty kick by senior Anthony Schultes propelled the Warriors to a victory and Friday’s regional championship. WINTER GARDEN — It’s hard to beat a good team three times in one season. The West Orange boys soccer team realized just how hard that task can be Tuesday night, when the Evans Trojans, whom the Warriors had defeated once in the regular season and then again in the district championship just two weeks ago, gave them all they could handle in the FHSAA Class 5A Region 1 Semifinals. After a scoreless regulation game and two scoreless overtime periods, West Orange edged the Trojans in penalty kicks, 5-4, to advance to Friday’s Class 5A Region 1 Championship. “I told the team yesterday, ‘Part of the reason it’s hard to beat a team three times is because you kind of do the same thing you’ve done
to win, and the other team gets better and knows what they have to do,’” coach Scott Fisher said. “I said, ‘We have to strive to be better then we have been.’ “(Evans) left four in the defense and took (our offense) away and basically made it a running game — which is their game,” he said. Senior midfielder Anthony Schultes kicked the fifth and deciding penalty kick for the Warriors (12-1-4) and was mobbed by his teammates after the ball found its way to the back of the net. West Orange converted all five of its penalty kicks, while Evans (19-6-3) had one kick sail just over the goal, creating the opportunity for the Schultes to seal the win for the Warriors. “I saw Felipe Silva score his (penalty kick), and he came
over and said, ‘You’re going to make it,’” Schultes said, recalling the pressure-packed moment. “I was just thinking, ‘Just put it to the right corner and don’t change your mind.’ … Once it went in, my mind went blank.” West Orange now will host Flagler Palm Coast, which defeated Mandarin (Jacksonville), at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, for the Region 1 Championship. The winner will advance to the FHSAA Class 5A State Semifinals in Melbourne next week.
LAKERS FALL TO ORANGEWOOD
The Windermere Prep boys soccer team saw its season come to a close Tuesday afternoon with a 6-0 lost to host Orangewood Christian
Steven Ryzewski
Senior midfielder Anthony Schultes secured a win for West Orange by converting the Warriors’ fifth and deciding penalty kick. West Orange will host Flagler Palm Coast in the regional final Friday. in the regional semifinals of the FHSAA Class 1A State Tournament. The Lakers had gone on the road and defeated Father Lo-
national stage
NATIONAL SIGNING DAY by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
DP cheer places second at state finals
+ Florida League announces team The Florida Collegiate Summer League announced its newest franchise this week, the Altamonte Springs Boom. The Boom is the sixth FCSL franchise for this coming summer and take the place of the College Park Freedom, which struggled to draw crowds consistently. The Altamonte Springs team will play its home games at the newly renovated field at Lake Brantley High School.
The Panthers cheer team finished just .62 points behind Oviedo High at the FHSAA State Finals Jan. 31.
+ DP, Ocoee end hoops seasons The Ocoee Knights and Dr. Phillips Panthers boys basketball teams closed their respective regular seasons on high notes entering this week’s district tournaments. Ocoee defeated Mount Dora in its regular season finale, 75-57, to enter district play with a record of 21-4. It is the first time in program history the Knights have had a 20-win season. Ocoee was ranked No. 3 in the state in Class 8A in the most recent FABC/SourceHoops rankings, behind Evans and Oak Ridge. Dr. Phillips, meanwhile, may be the hottest team in the state. The Panthers have now extended their winning streak to 12 games after defeating Bartow in their regular-season finale Jan. 31. A day earlier, Dr. Phillips — the West Metro Champion — edged Winter Park — the East Metro Champion — to claim an outright Metro Conference Championship. The Panthers are 18-7 entering district play after entering the new year with a record of 6-7.
+ Ocoee’s Moore earns accolade Peter Moore, the head coach of the boys soccer team at Ocoee, was named the Metro Conference’s Coach of the Year. Additionally, Ocoee’s Omar Ortega and Julian Toledo were named to the All-Metro Team.
pez, 3-1, in the regional quarterfinals Jan. 29 before falling to the Rams. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
Steven Ryzewski
West Orange senior defensive back Ramon Lyons said Georgetown was originally not even on his radar of schools to attend, but he is excited to attend college in Washington, D.C.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE West Orange defensive back Ramon Lyons signed to play his college football at Georgetown on National Signing Day, and he is excited to get an elite education along the way. WINTER GARDEN — Standing outside of the football stadium on the campus of West Orange High School, clad in a Georgetown cap and T-shirt, Hoya-to-be Ramon Lyons acknowledges that a couple of months ago, the school wasn’t even on his radar. The senior defensive back for the Warriors had been getting interest from schools like West Florida, Florida Tech and Colgate. So, he admits to being a little surprised when a recruiting coordinator from the school — a school typically associated with its storied basketball program — came to campus one day to see him. “All I knew (about Georgetown) was Allen Iverson and Patrick Ewing,” Lyons said, referencing two NBA stars who had played collegiately for the Hoyas. “Georgetown was not even in my thought
process — it just came out of nowhere.” Much the same as the program, located in Washington, D.C., was not on his radar, Lyons was not on Georgetown’s radar, until another teammate from West Orange sent a highlight reel to the Hoyas. It was through that tape that the recruiting staff noticed Lyons — a chance happening that may turn out to be a perfect fit, as Lyons signed his National Letter of Intent with the Division I FCS program on Wednesday for National Signing Day. Lyons came to West Orange after playing for Ocoee for his first three years of high school, when his family moved during the offseason. Coming over to play for the Warriors, it would be easy to assume that the program’s large stadium, rabid fan base, turf field or stylish uniforms might have been what Lyons liked most about the transfer.
But the talented defensive back prides himself on being a scholar-athlete in the truest sense of the word, and said his favorite part about the move was that he felt more challenged in the classroom. “I liked the education,” Lyons said. “I liked my chemistry class, and I liked my calculus class. … Those two have really challenged me the most and brought out my potential.” It’s no wonder then, that when a prestigious academic institution such as Georgetown came knocking with a football scholarship, Lyons’ interest was piqued. Throw in a visit in early January to the campus and the Knightturned-Warrior was sold. “I’m from the city, so I like to be around the city,” Lyons said. “I’m a businessman at heart, so I can see myself doing internships there.” Lyons had 94 tackles for the Warriors during the team’s
11-1 season this past fall to pair with four interceptions and four fumble recoveries, and he also broke up 10 passes. He said he enjoys the cerebral elements of playing in the secondary — making reads and studying film — and in a lot of ways that approach is what enabled him to make an immediate impact with West Orange in just one season within the program. “(He’s) very smart — he knew everything, inside and out,” Warriors coach Bob Head said. “He was like a coach on the field. For him to pick up our defense the way he did, you’ve got to be really smart. “He had a lot of great instincts, and I think that was from film study.” Lyons says his parents, Bobby and Resheda Lyons, were incredibly supportive throughout his playing career and throughout the recruiting process. The ultimate decision, though, was his. “(My parents) let me make the decision, myself, and I’m really appreciative
SEE LYONS / PAGE 2B
DR. PHILLIPS — The Dr. Phillips competitive cheerleading team placed second in the state in the Class 2A Small Varsity division at the FHSAA State Finals for a second consecutive year Jan. 31 in Kissimmee. The Panthers, who reigned as state champions for five consecutive seasons prior to 2014 and 2015, have placed second behind the Oviedo Lions in the past two state finals. Each year, Dr. Phillips likely would have claimed the top spot had it not been for a mistake in its routine, with the Panthers, who scored an 82.38, finishing just .62 behind Oviedo (83) this year. “Knowing that we were that close, had they hit that routine that they would have placed first, is a little bittersweet,”
SEE CHEER / PAGE 2B
Courtesy Dave Jester
The Dr. Phillips cheer team came up just short in Kissimmee at the FHSAA State Finals, placing second behind state champion Oviedo by .62 points. The Panthers will compete for a national title this weekend.
2B WOTimes.com
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
CHEER / PAGE 1B
Steven Ryzewski
Olympia’s Jackson Mumford will play for Newberry College.
THE 2014 SIGNEES Wednesday, Feb. 4 — better known in sports circles as National Signing Day — was a momentous occasion for several area seniors in high school as they signed their name to a National Letter of Intent. Although the day and the media hoopla that surround it predominately focus on football, there were a couple non-pigskin signings from the coverage area, also. Below is a list of athletes who signed NLIs on Wednesday from coverage area schools. Information is as of press time Tuesday. ATHLETE
SCHOOL
SPORT
CFCA Austin Clark
Ohio-Wesleyan
Football
DR. PHILLIPS Jaylon Hamer Daquan Isom Colby Meeks Rudy Norwood Donna Ryan
West Florida Southern Illinois Colorado State* Morgan State Carson-Newman
Football Football Football Football Softball
FOUNDATION ACADEMY Darius Irvin UNC Charlotte Quinlan Marshall Fort Scott C.C. Kiande Phillips Hobart University Stevanna Ames Seminole State
Football Football Football Softball
OLYMPIA Caroline Jeffers East Carolina Jackson Mumford Newberry College
Women’s Soccer Men’s Soccer
WEST ORANGE HIGH Dexter Williams Notre Dame Jalen Julius Ole Miss Brandon Wilson Indiana Mike Scott Eastern Kentucky Ramon Lyons Georgetown Ishmael Hollis Hutchinson Jr. College Roman Kerr West Florida Brycedon Jones Seton Hall
Football Football Football Football Football Football Football Football *already enrolled
LYONS / PAGE 1B of that,” Lyons said. Given the depth chart at defensive back, , Lyons may have a chance to play as a freshman. More importantly, though, he intends to get a quality education and study business entrepreneurship — making for a bright future
for this West Orange alumto-be. “He’s going to be so successful when he comes out of there,” Head said with pride. “He’s going to do amazing things and get a good job; he’s going to be an amazing asset to the community.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
Panthers coach Samantha Boussalham said. “However, I’m not upset that they placed second.” Now, as was the case a year ago, Dr. Phillips hopes to utilize its second-place finish as motivation going into this weekend’s Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championships at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. A year ago, the Panthers took the top spot in the nation in their division, and Dr. Phillips has placed in the top three at the national event in each of the past six years. “That happened to us last year … they got it together and it just made them more hungry for nationals,” Boussalham said. “They went out there and nailed their routine twice at nationals last year, and we came out in first, and that’s our plan moving forward is to do that again. “For us, the national title is the big one,” she said. “That’s the one that’s on ESPN, and that’s the one that everyone in the nation knows to see.” Although there is disappointment with the second-place finish in Kissimmee, that the Panthers are in position to duplicate their success from a year ago at all is an accomplishment after the misfortune the team has experienced this season. Boussalham, who has led the program for a decade now, said the squad was riddled with injuries this year, but the girls have rolled with the punches admirably. “It’s been a rough year … of the 10 years that I have coached here, this has probably been the roughest due to injuries,” Boussalham said. Key to dealing with the adversity has been the team’s seniors. Seniors Taylor Anderson, Kelly Gomez, Jamie Jenkins, Shannon Knight, Beverly Meena and Thi Peeples have all left a legacy with the program. “They all are really great kids … they all contribute amazingly to the program,” Boussalham said of her seniors. The veteran coach hopes to send her seniors out on a high note, with another national title in hand. “I know it would mean the world to the girls,” she said. “I know that they are going to give it their all this year.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
fhsaa by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
Tentative districts announced for prep hoops, girls volleyball Proposed changes include Windermere Prep, Legacy Charter and Foundation Academy being bumped up a respective classification. Last week, the Florida High School Athletic Association released tentative new districts for boys basketball, girls basketball and girls volleyball, set to take effect in the 2015-2016 school year and run through the 2018-2019 year. Appeals to these tentative changes are due to the FHSAA by 5 p.m. on Feb. 11 and must be based on specific policies. The biggest proposed change in the larger classifications consisted of Ocoee being bumped down in all three sports to Class 7A — where it currently plays in football — to a sprawling Class 7A District 5 with schools in Volusia, Lake, Seminole and Orange County. Keeping with the changes
– the Eagles do not compete for a FHSAA championship), Jones, Lake Highland Prep and Trinity Prep, as well as Crooms in basketball, only. Also being bumped up a classification, tentatively, is Legacy, which has been moved to Class 3A from 2A into the district formerly occupied by Windermere Prep, with opponents such as Circle Christian, Cornerstone Charter, Faith Christian, The First Academy, Lake Mary Prep, Orangewood Christian and The Master’s Academy. Foundation Academy, which plays football in Class 2A, was bumped up to Class 3A for all three sports. The Lions tentatively have been placed in Class 3A District 5 with All Saints’ (Winter Haven), Lakeland Christian, New Dimensions (Kissimee) and Santa Fe Catholic (Lakeland). CFCA remains in Class 2A.
that were recently finalized in football, Olympia moves out of West Orange’s district to be with Dr. Phillips in Class 8A District 5, along with Cypress Creek, Freedom and Oak Ridge. West Orange’s district, Class 8A District 3, retains Evans and Apopka but adds Wekiva — as it did in football — and also West Port (Ocala). There were more significant proposed changes in the lower classifications for coverage-area programs. Windermere Prep has tentatively been bumped up from Class 3A to Class 4A in a district with Atlantic (Port Orange), Father Lopez (Daytona Beach), Montverde (not in boys hoops
girls basketball by Emilee Jackson | Contributing Writer
Titans reign supreme in 8A-3 Olympia beat Evans for the district title and will host Cypress Creek. With roars from the crowd and cheers from the bench, the Olympia Titans girls basketball team topped the Evans Trojans 63-54, taking home the Class 8A District 3 championship Jan. 30. Head Coach Robert Carmody said winning the district title was the main goal for the program in his first season at the helm. “This was the primary goal,” Carmody said. “One of my main goals was to get to the championship game so we could advance to regions. Next goal is to win the next game; I like our odds.” That next game will be Feb. 5 in the regional quarterfinals of the FHSAA Class 8A State Play-
IF YOU GO FHSAA GIRLS BASKETBALL CLASS 8A REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS WHO: Cypress Creek vs. Olympia WHEN: 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5 WHERE: Olympia High School, 4301 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando ADMISSION: $7
offs. The Titans (20-6) will host Cypress Creek (10-13), the runner-up in District 4, at 7 p.m. at Olympia. “That’s the court we play on every day,” Carmody said. “We know how to shoot in that court, in that lighting, in that element — that helps. But every game we’re going to have this type of nerves.” With an intense back-andforth game across the court, the Titans did not manage to pull ahead in Friday’s district championship until the third quarter. After doing so, Olympia squeaked by and maintained its lead throughout the remainder of the game. “I feel we didn’t finish as well as we could have,” Carmody said. “We missed a ton of free throws, a ton of layups — but (winning the district) was huge.” The win did not come easily, though, and the Lady Titans felt the pressure. “It was tough,” Tiana Spikes said. “We kept our head playing as a team and listened to our coach.” Taylor Hair led the Titans in scoring with 17 points. Spikes tied with MacKenzie Loos and Umesha Beck with seven points on the night.
Emilee Jackson
Tiana Spikes drives to the basket in the district final.
Going into districts, the Titans knew the talent that they would be facing when they went up against the Trojans. “I expected Evans to come out and fight and give everything — and they did and then some,” Carmody said. Looking ahead to the first round of the state playoffs, Spikes said that with a better start early in the contest, the Titans will be in good shape. “To be honest, today we came out with a slow start — if we come out with a faster start, it should be easily put away,” Spikes said.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
3B
GAME FILM by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
JULES JOSEPH With 66 pins to his credit and a 20-4 record this season, Ocoee junior Jules Joseph has been a force for the Knights. Joseph, who came to Florida from Haiti when he was in elementary school, won by pin Jan. 28 when Ocoee hosted Oak Ridge and, in doing so, helped coach John Parmenter record his 200th victory. You have compiled an impressive 20-4 record so far this season. What’s your impression of how you’ve done so far? I’ve done all right, considering where I was last year. I could have done a lot better, could have pushed myself a little more. There’s always something you could do to get better. Where did you improve the most between this year and last year? This year, I’m more of a physical type of wrestler. More aggressive offensively. I got better technique-wise. What led you to getting involved with the wrestling program at Ocoee? I transferred (to Ocoee) from another school in the middle of football season, so I couldn’t play football. I was looking for something that would keep me busy, keep me focused and keep me in shape. I started doing wrestling. I wasn’t that serious about it, at first, but I fell in love with the sport.
ily now. In the long run, that makes everybody better. What aspect of competition do you enjoy the most when you’re out on the mat? I like how it’s basically like a war; it’s like a full-on battle between two guys. At the end, it’s not about who’s stronger and who has more technique — it’s about who has more will and who wants it more. What’s your personal goal for the rest of the season? My goal is basically the same as most wrestlers — win states. And I’m not going to stop until I do it. What’s your hope for the team the rest of the way? I want the team to win titles — I want us to win the Metro Title, the district title, regionals, states. Even if I don’t win states, I want the team to be good
How do you think the team has done so far this season? This year we’re doing a lot better than we’ve done in the past couple of years. This year, we have new guys stepping up into roles they’ve never done before, and it’s really amazing, because we’re more of a team and more of a fam-
to a point where we can win states as a team. How happy are you for coach Parmenter getting his 200th win? It was amazing. I’m just glad I got to be a part of that. ‘Coach P’ is really good. What’s it like balancing wrestling, football and weightlifting along with your classwork? Sometimes, it can be a little challenging, focusing on school and three different sports, but when you have a passion for it, it becomes easy. What’s your favorite sport to watch on television? My favorite sport would probably have to be between football and college wrestling. Do you see yourself being able to wrestle in college? I can if I can focus and have a really good season; finish strong. That would be something I would love to do.
ORLANDO — The Olympia Titans retained “the belt” and celebrated their Senior Night Jan. 28 by defeating the rival Dr. Phillips Panthers in a varsity wrestling match, 53-17. Right: Nick Joseph sizes up opponent David Hellinger.
What do you think you’d like to do for a career after college? I want to be a lawyer. I want to be a defense attorney. What’s a movie you have been wanting to see? A movie I want to see is “Selma.” Growing up as a kid, he really inspired me because he stood up for what he believed in.
reference being happy that it — meaning their recruiting process — was done. More than a few mention their pleasure that they will no longer be receiving the constant influx of messages from coaches. Coverage of high-school recruiting, specifically for football, has gone off the deep end, and the effects are palpable. The attention thrust upon these young kids, by the media, by college coaches, by fans and by parents and family, is giving them a skewed view of reality. For anyone, there’s always a point where too many people are telling you that you’re awesome, and the effects can be negative. One of the problems, of course, is recruiting is fascinating. It’s interesting and can be fun to follow, especially in a climate where fans simply can’t get enough information. But there are pitfalls to a level of interest that has spawned an entire niche coverage market of recruiting-specific websites and services, and we have to strike a balance between keeping tabs on something we’re admittedly all interested in and turning an important decision by teenagers into reality television.
WRESTLING NOTES + Ocoee coach picks up win No. 200 John Parmenter, who started the program at Ocoee High School, picked up his 200th career victory as a varsity coach after the Knights defeated Oak Ridge last week, 58-18.
+ Meeks leads DP at tourney Dylan Meeks improved his record to 16-0 this season — with all of his victories coming by pin — with a first-place finish in the 220-pound weight class at the 32-team George Jenkins Invitational. As a team, the Panthers finished ninth. David Hellinger claimed the silver medal at 182 pounds, falling only to Fox Baldwin of Osceola in the title match. Jamel Clue placed fourth at 113.
+ Metro Tournament coming to West Orange
So what is the last book you read? “Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock.” It was a really good book about a teen and bullying issues.
The good and the bad of National Signing Day Wednesday was an exciting problematic. day. Signing Day is marketIt was an exciting day for ed as a chance for college local athletes, their parents, football fans to look into their coaches, their teachers the crystal ball, to build up and administrators and, yes, their hopes for the future by the local sports media, too. evaluating the players who Much of what happens on decide to join their favorite National Signing Day program. is “the good part,” But some take it the positive aspect of further than that. recruiting and the naHigh-level recruits, tionwide competition particularly in footfor college scholarball, often are engaged ships. by fans of prospective When a high-school teams they are being senior signs his or her recruited by on social name on the dotted media. Most of it is STEVEN line and, in doing harmless, but that’s RYZEWSKI not always the case. so, takes a huge step toward receiving Young, indecisive a college education for a high-school athletes change fraction of the cost of regular their minds often, and some attendance, that’s a win for document each twist and everybody. turn through social media — So, in this edition of the and there are adults who are paper, we celebrate those hanging breathlessly on their athletes and their hard work every word. — as well as the hard work That’s a recipe for disaster, and dedication of their pardon’t you think? ents and coaches. Thanks to social media But — oh, yes, there’s a but and other factors, the privacy — it’s not just a happy day for of high-school athletes is the athletes; it’s a happy day often compromised by the for thousands and thousands recruiting process — whethof college football fans. er through overzealous fans Which is fine … except this or coaches. I’ve spoken to is where things tend to get dozens of athletes who often
Olympia Titans take down Panthers in ‘Battle for the Belt’
What’s your favorite school subject? I love English. I really like reading. When I first came in from Haiti, I couldn’t speak any English, so that’s my main focus, and I just fell in love with it.
SIDELINE SCENE
The national phenomenon celebrates athletes — but comes with some pitfalls.
The Olympia Titans celebrate winning “the belt” after defeating Dr. Phillips.
Jamel Clue defeated Olympia’s James Murphy by pin.
The Metro Conference Tournament will take place on Feb. 11 at West Orange High School. The event will start at 2 p.m. and include all four programs covered by the West Orange Times & Observer (West Orange, Ocoee, Olympia and Dr. Phillips).
4B WOTimes.com
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
REAL ESTATE by Michael Eng | Executive Editor
FIGURED IT OUT YET
Three-story estate tops sales
Selling your home?
A custom “Carolina Low Country” home on the Butler Chain of Lakes topped all residential real-estate sales from Jan. 23 to 29. The home at 8907 Trout Road, Orlando, sold Jan. 28, for $2.275 million. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, five-andone-half baths, a pool and 6,234 square feet of living area on 1.9 acres. The price per square foot is $364.93.
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DR. PHILLIPS BAY HARBOUR
The home at 8827 Bay Harbour Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $470,400 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,217 square feet. The price per square foot is $146.22.
422 E Henschen Ave • Oakland, 34760 $230,000 No HOA. Beautiful home with a great location on a 1/2 acre. New roof, A/C, freshly painted inside and out and plumbing. Just a couple blocks from the West Orange Trail, Oakland Charter School and the community playground. Open floor plan. Come see today! Katie Claflin 407.375.6341 • L A Grimes Agency Realtors
BAY VISTA ESTATES
The home at 9539 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $765,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,228 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $236.99.
CYPRESS ISLE
The home at 8808 Sunset Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan. 29, for $400,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,537 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $157.67.
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Pat Sharr Realty
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DON’T DREAM A DREAM-BUY ONE!!!
The home at 10133 Facet Court, Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $279,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,388 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $116.83.
EMERALD FOREST
The home at 8654 Dover Oaks Court, Orlando, sold Jan. 28, for $465,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,579 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.92.
GOTHA CITRUS OAKS
The home at 9334 Daney St., Gotha, sold Jan. 23, for $156,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,856 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $84.05.
LAKEVIEW HEIGHTS
The home at 553 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, sold Jan. 28, for $200,000. Built in
1930, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,792 square feet of living area on 1.32 acres. The price per square foot is $111.61.
SAND LAKE POINT
The home at 8232 Lake Crowell Circle, Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $385,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,081 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $124.96.
METROWEST BERMUDA DUNES
The condo at 7320 Westpointe Blvd., No. 524, Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $74,900 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,021 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $73.36.
CINNAMON BAY CLUB
The home at 7220 Bay Club Way, Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $279,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,164 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $128.93.
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ELEMENT AT METROWEST
The condo at 2119 Lake Debra Drive, No. 328, Orlando, sold Jan. 27, for $96,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 949 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $101.16.
HORIZONS AT STONEBRIDGE PLACE
The condo at 6084 Stevenson Drive, No. 207, Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $90,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,050 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $85.71.
SERENATA
The condo at 6157 MetroWest Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan. 29, for $108,300 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2004, it has
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Total Sales: 57 High Sale Price: $2.275 million Low Sale Price: $40,100 REO/Bank Owned: 14 Short Sales: Two
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This custom “Carolina Low Country” home on the Butler Chain of Lakes sold for $2.275 million. It features six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 6,234 square feet of living area on 1.9 acres.
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4 BED ROOM POOL HOME $187,500
WINTER GARDEN BUNGALOW
Bungalow with Industrial-2 zoning great for office space use. Large side yard.Current use as residential. Asking $126,900.
Ready to close: private screened pool and community pool. Split bedroom plan. Laminate flooring through out. All kitchen appliances stay. 1798 Sq ft living area plus 2 car garage.
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HONEY STOP THE CAR!!! That is what you will say when you see this 3 Bdrm. 2 Ba. IMMACULATE CONDITION!!! This home features a tiled foyer with tray ceiling. Open floor plan consisting of your living/great room with sliding glass doors leading to the privacy fenced back yard, to your left is dining area, kitchen and breakfast bar. Kitchen comes complete with pantry and all appliances, all window coverings stay too! Just off the foyer is the hallway with two great bedrooms and full bath. This home also features, granite countertops in kitchen, breakfast bar and baths. Inside laundry, dual sinks in master bath and 2-car garage, paver driveway. Walk to the W.O. trail, minutes from downtown Winter Garden. Original Owners...Nothing to do but move in and bring your furniture!!! Asking Only $237,500
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This 3 bdrm.1Ba. Cute as a button, and ready to movein. Completely remodeled. New doors and windows, new drywall with foam insulation, new wood cabinets, all appliances stay, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave! Laminate flooring throughout, all electric and plumbing has been replaced, new front and back porch ... Completely painted inside and out. Ideal for a first time home buyer or someone wanting to down size. Fantastic location...Walk to downtown, walk/ride the West Orange Trail... ***No HOA *** corner lot*** if you have been looking for a home in Winter Garden with a great location this is it! Don’t delay, see it today!!! Asking only $175,000
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CLERMONT -THE LEGENDS $282,900
Gated community & pool plus recreation areas. 5 Bed/3.5 Baths over 3600 sq ft living area. Two masters (up & down stairs). 3 Car garage. Must see.
1,000 Sq ft office space w/3 offices $110,000 2,000 Sq ft office space w/6 offices $215,000 For lease same as above from $1,200 to $2400 a month plus tax
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
two bedrooms, two baths and 1,138 square feet. The price per square foot is $95.17.
OAKLAND JOHNS LANDING
The home at 706 Strihal Loop, Oakland, sold Jan. 23, for $272,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,240 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $83.95.
SOUTHERN OAKS AT OAKLAND SHORES
The home at 60 E. Vandermeer Ave., Oakland, sold Jan. 29, for $356,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,319 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.51.
OCOEE BRYNMAR
The home at 3525 Meadow Breeze Loop, Ocoee, sold Jan. 26, for $285,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,400 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $83.82.
LAKE OLYMPIA LAKE VILLAGE
The home at 153 Hercules Court, Ocoee, sold Jan. 27, for $255,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,437 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $104.64.
PRIMA VISTA
The home at 615 Caborca Court, Ocoee, sold Jan. 27, for $158,900. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,637 square feet. The price per square foot is $97.07.
RESERVE
The home at 1203 Montheath Circle, Ocoee, sold Jan. 29, for $205,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,760 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $116.48.
SILVER GLEN
The home at 327 Sterling Lake Drive, Ocoee, sold Jan. 26, for $226,000. Built in 1991, it has five bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,844
square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $79.47.
5B
WEST ORANGE
rooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,841 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $115.10.
PARKSIDE
TUCKER OAKS
The home at 8515 Pippen Drive, Orlando, sold Jan. 20, for $730,000. Built in 2014, it has eight bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 5,206 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $140.22.
RIDGEMOORE
The home at 1338 Countryridge Place, Orlando, sold Jan. 23, for $212,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,805 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $117.45.
WINDERMERE DIAMONDHEAD
The home at 606 E. Sixth Ave., Windermere, sold Jan. 26, for $675,045 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,959 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $170.51.
EDEN ISLE
The home at 6330 Lenox Mill Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 27, for $225,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,580 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.41.
GLENMUIR
The home at 6414 Montclair Bluff Lane, Windermere, sold Jan. 26, for $415,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,080 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $134.74. The home at 11415 Arborside Bend Way, Windermere, sold Jan. 23, for $386,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,622 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $147.22.
LAKES OF WINDERMERE
The home at 6731 Romney Lane, Windermere, sold Jan. 26, for $310,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,925 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $105.98.
This Windermere home, in the Waterstone community, sold for $890,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,191 square feet of living area.
LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE
Point Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 29, for $695,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,017 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $173.01.
The condo at 8264 Maritime Flag St., No. 1408, Windermere, sold Jan. 29, for $175,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $121.36. The condo at 8276 Maritime Flag St., No. 305, Windermere, sold Jan. 26, for $168,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,332 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $126.13.
The home at 11910 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 23, for $890,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,191 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $278.91.
PRESTON SQUARE
WINDERMERE DOWNS
WATERSTONE
The home at 6882 Helmsley Circle, Windermere, sold Jan. 28, for $280,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,364 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $118.44.
The home at 10215 Birch Tree Lane, Windermere, sold Jan. 29, for $838,087. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,035 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $207.70.
SUMMERPORT
WINTER GARDEN
The home at 4724 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 29, for $257,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,379 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $108.03.
SUMMERPORT TRAILS
The home at 13839 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Windermere, sold Jan. 23, for $244,865. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,940 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $126.22.
WATERFORD POINTE
The home at 2024 Roberts
COBBLESTONE OF WINTER GARDEN
The home at 241 Country Cottage Lane, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 27, for $302,500. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,096 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $97.71.
DANIELS CROSSING
The home at 624 Dharma Circle, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 23, for $149,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,620 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $91.98.
DANIELS LANDING
The town house at 13507 Daniels Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 26, for $142,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,455 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $97.59.
DEERFIELD PLACE
The home at 226 Spring Leap Circle, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 27, for $302,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,439 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $87.82.
INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES
The home at 7199 Wild Strawberry Run, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 23, for $325,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,653 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $88.97. The home at 14637 Old Thicket Trace, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 29, for $274,000 (short sale). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,717 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $100.85. The home at 7103 Old Pumpkin Lane, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 23, for $224,900. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,650 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $136.30.
JOHNS LAKE POINTE
The home at 15218 Heron Hideaway Circle, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 29, for $327,000. Built in 2011, it has five bed-
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The condo at 1532 Brokenb Oak Drive, No. 22B, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 29, for $154,500. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,544 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $100.06. The condo at 1467 Broken Oak Drive, No. 433, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 26, for $140,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,699 square feet. The price per square foot is $82.40.
STONE CREEK
The home at 1835 Portcastle Circle, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 28, for $200,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,857 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $107.70.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 13539 Fox Glove St., Winter Garden, sold Jan. 23, for $361,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,279 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $110.09. The home at 13236 Fox Glove St., Winter Garden, sold Jan. 26, for $344,000 (short sale). Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,056 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $84.81.
SUBURBAN SHORES
The home at 13106 Shore Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 29, for $261,250 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1976, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $112.03.
WESTFIELD LAKES
The home at 620 Westhampton Court, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 23, for $345,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,529 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $136.42.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
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OIL SERVICE
4/30/15
With service message reset. Full synthetic (up to 7 quarts) and oil filter.
Your ad here! Call
Offer expires 2/28/15. Environmental, disposal fees and tax not included. Not valid with any other offer. This ad must be presented to receive this offer.
TO SCHEDULE AN APPT. TODAY CALL US AT
407-877-3841
We are your European/Foreign car auto Repair/Sales alternative dealer.
407-656-2121
720 S. Dillard St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Bill Straugh
JP TREES AND LANDSCAPING, LLC
Broker Associate
Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Landscape Installs FREE Estimates
Cell 407-716-3010
John Freeman
Windsor Realty Group, Inc. 160 S. Main Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-877-FIND (3463) TFN
Owner/Operator
5/15/15 Licensed and Insured
cell: 321-229-1958
email: jptrees09@gmail.com
CRAWFORD TIRE SERVICE, INC.
5/7/15
TFN
110 Taylor St. • Ocoee • (407) 656-4575
MORE THAN JUST
TIRE VALUES
-FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED –
407.296.9622 407.877.6268
www.gsairsystems.com email: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com Licensed & Insured - State License #CAC1814407
• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential M/WBE Enterprise since 1980
• Bridgetone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires Licensed & Bonded Licensed #RC29027533
407.656.8920
Bobby Swindle, Jr. Owner
Call for a FREE estimate on Equipment Replacement. We offer financing with approved credit
SOD
TFN
Winter Garden Grassing Inc. Ph: 407-877-0709
Commercial Seeding and Sodding • Residential Pick Up and Delivery
• Pine Straw • Seed • Bahia • St. Augustine • Bermuda • Zoysia • St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bahia by the piece
532 N. Bluford Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761 www.WinterGardenGrassing.com
• •
• ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • SHOCKS • OIL & LUBE SERVICE • NEW & USED TIRES • REPAIR & BALANCING • ROAD SERVICE • WE INSTALL LIFTS! MV03215
Mobil 1 Oil
FREE ESTIMATES
Amsoil Synthetic 2/12/15
FIRE TECH
EXTINGUISHER
SERVICE Ocoee, FL
Danny Motes Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986
TFN
www.Firetechextinguisher.com
TFN
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
Classifieds
CHECK OUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE @ WOTIMES.COM
Subscribe today for $21.50
Call 407-656-2121 or email classifieds@wotimes.com
070 LOST & FOUND
130 MEDICAL
240 GARAGE SALE
FOUND DOG - Found at Story Rd & Maguire in Ocoee. Wearing bright red harness and a collar. Call 407-905-0823. 2/5ha
A diabetic needs your help. We buy diabetic test strips. Call 321-297-4112 2/5ot
Infant/Toddler carseats, playpens, walkers, highchairs, wagons, 25 cent children's clothes, strollers, swings, cribs. Babylady 407-731-4248 2/12bl
Attention Viagra Users! Viagra 100mg, Cialis 20mg. 40 pills + 4 FREE for only $99. No prescription needed! Discreet shipping. Call now 1-800-224-0305. 2/5fcan
090 MISCELLANEOUS AIRCRAFT DISPATCH Grads work with JetBlue, Southwest, PSA and othersstart here with 10 week training for FAA certification. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-5838 2/5fcan Flight attendant careers start here. Learn how to land job in the friendly skies and prepare for training by the airlines. Five information packed days in Orlando. Call AIM 1-888-242-3630. 2/5fcan Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 1-855-5881161. 2/5fcan DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12mos). SAVE! Regular price $34.99. Call today and ask about FREE SAME DAY installation. CALL NOW! 855-588-1161. 2/5fcan WELDING CAREERS. Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing, and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 1-877206-7679. 2/5fcan
Police Dept - Town of Windermere is accepting applications for a p/t crossing guard for Windermere Elementary. For more information go to town.windermere.fl.us. DFW and EOE.2/12ac Lead cook / P.M. supervisor for prestigious academy in Montverde. Strong knowledge and background in cooking. Large volume up to 400 people. Strong sanitation skills, team player, and a hospitality attitude. Schedule is Sat-Thurs 12:00pm-7:30pm, Sunday 8:30am6:30pm. Must pass background check and drug test. Major medical plan, eye and dental plans, paid holiday vacation, sick time, retirement. Competitive salary. Apply in person Montverde Academy, CR 455, Montverde, Fl. 2/5gh
Estate Sale- 1324 Brandy Lake View Cir Winter Garden- Fri/Sat Feb 6/78am-3pm- Full House! Quality Furniture, Danish Modern Dining Table, Patio Furniture, Grill, Disney Collectables, Kitchenware, Full Garage, much more! 2/5gs
570 LAWN & TREE LLOYD LAWN SERVICE. Lawn Cutting, Weed Eating and Edging, Hedge Trimming, Grass Clipping Removal/Blowing, New Mulch Replacement, Flower Bed Weeding, Minor Tree Trimming, One Time Cutting Serv. Avail., SOD Replacement. PRESSURE WASHING. llongleyjr@centurylink.net. 321-2786981. 2/12ll
DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Become a driver for Werner Enterprises. Earn $800 per week! Local CDL Training. 1-877-214-3624 2/5fcan
Hiring General Laborers. Apply today at 1) Modern, 2) Chronicle, Lott's Concrete Products, located at 429 620 N. Hennis Rd, Winter Garden. 2/12fcan 3) Clytemnestra, 4) Maple Leaf Rag,APARTMENT & DUPLEXES 5) White House, Martha 200 Graham
ITEMS FOR SALE
1/2 Duplex, 1 bedroom, living, eat in kitchen, fenced, gated, private and quiet. $455 per month. 407-497-2489. 2/5bt
This week’s Sudoku answers OCOEE GARDEN OCOEE OCOEE VILLAS GARDEN VILLAS
Have your acoustic piano tuned, regulated, and voiced for just $50.00!!! 407654-8006 or 513-319-8909. 2/5rb
Woodlawn Single Plot. Freedom Section. $3,000. 407-905-0909 2/12bh
GARDEN 1901 Adair Street VILLAS 1901 Adair Street 407-877-2670 Ocoee, FL 34761
407-877-2670 SENIOR CITIZENS COMPLEX SENIOR CITIZENS COMPLEX 2 BEDROOM 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT APARTMENT AVAILABLE
Job descriptions and applications are available online.
www.wintergarden-fl.gov
AVAILABLE
SENIOR OR SENIOR OR HANDICAPPED ONLY HANDICAPPED ONLY (Minimum of 2 people) (Minimum of 2 people) TH 9:30-12:00 9:30-12:00 M,M,W,W,TH
NOW PURCHASING
SCRAP
BATTERIES 13178 W. Colonial Dr
Winter Garden
WINTER GARDEN - 1BR $695, 2BR $745, 3BR $935 on Lake Apopka. Water/Sewer included. 407-656-7162. 9/25tfn
The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking applicants for various positions
Ocoee, FL 34761
407-656-3495
Phone: Fax:
Historic Downtown Winter Garden,
To place an ad in Classifieds Call 407-656-2121 or email classifieds@wotimes.com Ad deadline is Tuesdays @ 10 am.
Preemie clothes, Chicco infant carseat $19.95, Stroller/carseat $24.95, Walker $14.95. Babylady 407-731-4248 2/12bl
160 GENERAL EMPLOYMENT
110 CRAFT/SKILLS/TRADE
700 HOMES AND OPEN HOUSES
Double wide Palm Harbor home set up in 55+ park located in Winter Garden, Fl. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, covered carport, large storage shed. Lot rent $131. per month includes yard maintenance. Fully furnished. $99,900. Owner financing available for quLILFIED buyer. Call 304-941-2656. 2/5pw
Crib/Mattress $39.95, Toddler bed/ mattress $19.95, Spongebob toddler carseat $39.95. Babylady 407-7314248 2/12bl
This week’s Cryptoquiz answers
TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920's through 1980's Gibson, martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg, and Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440. 2/5fcan
7B
407-656-4111
407-877-2795
The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
S.E. Dollen, LLC.
Winter Garden longest established electrical contractor serving Central FL since 1983. All Service Techs are LICENSED Journeymen and Master Electricians. For professional results and competitive rates
call 407-656-5818
This week’s Crossword answers EC 13001719
CHURCH DIRECTORY BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus:
“FOUNDATION WORSHIP”
Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH
611 West. Ave., Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 Email: starkelakebaptist@gmail.com
To advertise in the Church Directory please call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@wotimes.com CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org
CATHOLIC RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH
1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd. Winter Garden. 407-656-3113
CHRISTIAN WEST ORANGE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1450 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407-656-2770 www.cocwo.com
METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Blue Christmas Service: Dec. 21, 4pm Christmas Eve Services: 5, 7 & 11pm www.fumcwg.org 407-656-1135
PRESBYTERIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LAKES, USA
Conroy-Windermere Rd. @ Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 407-291-2886 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits www.pcol.org
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org
8B WOTimes.com
RAIN
WEST ORANGE
(INCHES)
WEATHER
TUES.
Jan. 27
0.00
WED. 0.00
Thurs., Feb. 5 Fri., Feb. 6 Sat., Feb. 7 Sun., Feb. 8 Mon., Feb. 9 Tues., Feb. 10 Wed., Feb. 11
THURS. Jan. 29
0.00
FRI.
Jan. 30
0.00
SAT.
0.00
SUN.
Feb. 1
0.00
MON.
Feb. 2
0.05
FEB.
TO DATE .05
HIGH 66 63 71 75 69 68 70
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Thurs., Feb. 5 Fri., Feb. 6 Sat., Feb. 7 Sun., Feb. 8 Mon., Feb. 9 Tues., Feb. 10 Wed., Feb. 11
FRI.
SUNRISE 7:12 a.m. 7:12 a.m. 7:11 a.m. 7:10 a.m. 7:10 a.m. 7:09 a.m. 7:08 a.m.
SAT.
SUNSET 6:08 p.m. 6:09 p.m. 6:10 p.m. 6:11 p.m. 6:12 p.m. 6:13 p.m. 6:14 p.m.
SUN.
LOW 44 43 46 56 48 44 47
MOON PHASES
Feb. 3
Feb. 11
(2014: 0.00) Feb. 18
YEAR
TO DATE
4.33 (2014: 2.92)
I WO
TEMPERATURES
Jan. 28
Jan. 31
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
LOW
LOW
LOW
63 43
71 46
75 56
CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a renowned dancer. Using the hints A=E and C=R, decipher the clues to name the dancer.
1. H U F A C B 2. K G C U B O K X A 3. K X W Q A H B A R Q C E 4. H E J X A X A E D C E L 5. M G O Q A G U N R A This dancer has been called the “Picasso of Dance”:
SUDOKU
Feb. 25
The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting the 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@ wotimes.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Winners can pick up their prize Andrea D. Vinkemulder submitted this shot of a wedding taking place at the Oakland gaze- at the Times bo. office.
Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.
CROSSWORD POINT TAKEN by Jessica C. Crawford ACROSS 1 Capo’s group 6 Pasta, potatoes and such 11 Swimmers’ woes 19 “Dynasty” actress Linda 20 Garlicky garnish 21 Swallow routes 22 Common tablet PC feature 24 Waterproof roof joints 25 Architectural band 26 ___ Arabia 28 Jack and Jill’s carryall 29 Island near Java 30 Make fun of 32 Examine, as evidence 35 Story with bite 38 Moisten, as a roast 40 “If ___ told you once ...” 43 Bro or 18-Down, e.g. 45 “Long ___ ...” 46 Temporary paper currency 48 Earth, air, fire or water, e.g. 51 Rock with value 52 Bodybuilder’s exercise 54 ___ Bell (fast-food chain) 55 Respect for others’ beliefs 57 Come up again 59 Opposite of apex 62 Grand ___ (vintage) 63 Better suited 64 Refuse receptacle 66 Assessor 68 Like Scrooge McDuck 70 ___ carotene 71 Facial flaw 74 Drive-___ window 75 Producing an effect 78 “___ Man” (Village People hit) 79 Fishing nets 82 Civil War general 83 “Born in the ___” (Springsteen tune) 86 Vacation memento 88 Have a funny feeling 89 Next life 91 Unwritten test 93 ___ good example 94 Cause wonder 95 Small hairpieces 98 Tiniest bits 100 Radiation dosage 101 Fold, spindle or mutilate 102 Air pressure meas. 103 Overturn or overthrow 105 Gentlemen (Abbr.) 107 “Answer, please” (Abbr.) 110 Cook’s covering 112 Catcher’s need 113 “___ as good a time as any” 116 Owl noises 118 Temporary period 122 Not aboveboard 126 Part of the brain 128 Tire mishap 129 Spine-tinglingly weird 130 Arrival island for many 131 Trouble spot for Indiana Jones
132 Forms an opinion 133 Corn-chip dip DOWN 1 “I never ___ man I didn’t like” 2 The Bard’s river 3 Goat-legged deity 4 Demons that prey upon sleepers 5 Masonry stones 6 Desert growths 7 Balloon’s filling 8 Some reddish deer 9 Sounds from a flock 10 Curve in and out 11 Amazon zapper 12 “... and make it fast!” 13 Santa ___, California 14 Sap-sucking insect genus 15 Hotdog topper, sometimes 16 Harrison in “Star Wars” 17 Breakfast item 18 Sibling, in brief 23 Cull 24 “Jaws” sighting 27 Two-person fight 31 Malayan island 33 Ones leading the pack
34 Toyota model 35 Pelvic bones 36 Fevers with chills 37 Leaders of movements 38 Antacid, for short 39 Having no feet 41 Soft palate 42 Hurricane heading, sometimes 44 Distrustful 47 Bled in the laundry 49 “... yadda, yadda, yadda” 50 Bad-mouths 53 Swiss canton or its capital 56 Mimicries 58 Knocking noise 60 Agendum, e.g. 61 Amend, as an atlas section 65 Actress Fabray, for short 67 With money to burn 69 “___ your call” 72 Guaranteed winner 73 Drag race participant 75 Old Irish memorial inscription 76 Period before a conflict 77 Ballerina’s skirts 80 “Steer” anagram 81 Parts of a baseball
84 Old photo tone 85 “___ we having fun yet?” 87 Bran type 90 Affected dandy 92 Thin plate or layer 96 Continental currency 97 Parodied 99 Colonizes 104 Main dish 106 “A Streetcar Named Desire” role 108 Sweater style 109 ___-cochere (carriage entrance) 111 Impressive degree 112 Pesky arachnids 114 Defeat a la Ali 115 Mumbai dress 117 In need of a massage 119 Bagel kin 120 Large wading bird 121 Clifflike, flat-topped elevation 122 ___ and downs 123 Her life is in order? 124 Modern evidence 125 Tennis court divider 127 “Bus” or “rod” starter