02.10.22 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 89, NO. 6

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Olympia tennis team remembers beloved coach. PAGE 15.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

KEEPIN’ IT FRESH Healthy West Orange encouraged locals to kickstart the new year with healthier, happier habits. SEE PAGE 8.

YOUR TOWN

MORE PARKING COMING TO DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

MISSIONMINDED

The city of Winter Garden is creating more parking spaces in the downtown area. The North Boyd Street parking lot project began last week on two city-owned parcels at 37 N. Boyd and 63 N. Boyd. The project includes the construction of an asphalt parking lot — providing a total of 124 spaces and including landscaping, lighting improvements and a bicycle repair shelter. The lot at 63 N. Boyd will close starting Feb. 7 and remain closed until the new parking lot is constructed. Anticipated completion is mid-May.

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Deloris Riggins was born and raised in Tildenville, and her memory of “the way it was” is long. SEE PAGE 3.

WOHS theater seeks help

OCPS considers school bus compound The Orange County School Board is considering building a bus lot on the property being vacated when Orange Technical College – West Campus moves to Ocoee. SEE PAGE 6.

MEMORIES OF AN OLD COMMUNITY

SEE PAGE 13.

Photo by Jordan Johncock

Justin LaGasse is spreading God’s love through his keyboarding skills on a “Carry the Love” mission tour with Circuit Riders.

Justin LaGasse has taken a semester off from college to participate in a mission trip that allows him to share God’s love with students across the country. STORY ON PAGE 4.

BRINGING THE HEAT Feb. 19 chili cookoff is challenging chefs for a good cause. SEE PAGE 2.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Chili cookoff to benefit Legacy Events for Education The inaugural event will kick off at noon Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Hamlin Town Center. ANNABELLE SIKES

IF YOU GO

STAFF WRITER

Color, aroma, consistency, taste and aftertaste. David Terry, CASI Terlingua International Championship qualifier, said these five criteria can help anyone judge a good bite of chili. Terry and nine of the other top chili chefs in the country are headed to West Orange for the inaugural Central Florida Chili Cookoff. All proceeds raised at the event will go toward Legacy Events for Education, of which Terry also serves as president. Although the organization has put together events in the past, the highly anticipated cookoff is set to be one of the biggest events of the year to take place in Horizon West. The fundraising event aims to support local students and teachers through the sampling of more than 60 chilis created by chefs, residents, restaurants and organizations. Locals will be able to enjoy a bite from food trucks, listen to live music, participate in a cornhole tourna-

WHAT: Central Florida Chili Cookoff WHEN: Noon Saturday, Feb. 19 WHERE: Hamlin Town Center, 14422 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden TICKETS: bit.ly/3B7BLr2

ment, sip on refreshments and play in a Kids Zone area. “Our goal is that you come out, have fun and raise money by accident,” Terry said. “I don’t want you to be there thinking you’re at a fundraiser; I want you to be there thinking ‘I’m at a community event having fun with my neighbors’ — and we’re going to make money for our schools while we’re at it.” As part of CASI, the Chili Appreciation Society International, cooks will also be able to submit their chili in competitive categories. Several local organizations are showing their support for the nonprofit through their sponsorship. Orlando Health will serve as the presenting sponsor, and Terry will be making its chili. “I can’t speak highly enough about the people that are coming out,” Terry said. “The

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support we’ve gotten, I mean, we wouldn’t be here without them, both big and small organizations.” He said the event is an homage to Events for Change, an organization that helps to put together the Orlando Chili Cookoff. HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM

Legacy Events for Education began as the Wolverine Legacy Fund in 2017 and was founded to award monetary grants to support and enhance Windermere High School’s academics, arts and athletics. After bringing in more than $60,000 in donations to the school, the board launched a new and separate organization called Legacy

HOW TO SAMPLE CHILI LIKE A PRO David Terry, one of the top chili chefs in the country, shares his tips on getting the most out of your chili experience. n Color —We eat with our eyes! Chili should have an appealing appearance. Chili should be viewed in good light and be red in color. Excessive grease should not mask the appearance. n Aroma — Smell really can be the deciding factor in many people’s food choices. Chili should smell good. A good aroma is a tipoff to good taste. Beware of foreign aromas or bad smells. n Consistency — Chili should be a good meat-and-gravy combination. Chili should not be dry, watery, grainy, lumpy or greasy, but good and smooth. Meat should be tender but not broken down. Chili should not melt in your mouth! n Taste — Chili should taste good above all else. Although individual opinions will vary, a really good taste will stand out. “You can cook my recipe, but you can’t cook my chili!” n Aftertaste —Residual taste should be pleasant and not bitter, metallic or foul. Also present may be an afterbite, which is that glow that develops in the mouth (front bite) and throat (back bite) that says this is chili rather than soup or stew.

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David Terry is a chili champion qualifier.

Events for Education last spring. The nonprofit’s mission is to put together large-scale events in West Orange County to raise funds for scholarships and grants to students and teachers at local schools. The president said he was inspired by the program’s first scholarship class, which consisted of two students who “blew his mind.” One of the students started a hotline for at-risk teenagers while the other gathered T-shirts and ties for children in the Dominican Republic. He even flew the clothing to the small village using his own money. “The kids that I have met in the last three years are enough to keep me going for many years to come,” Terry said. “The motiviation I get from seeing what these kids can accomplish when given the opportunity is just amazing. My goal is to help encourage these kids that 20 years from now they’re sitting where we are today and making a difference in the community. They’re not just doing volunteer hours because they have to; they genuinely have a passion for these types of efforts.” Terry said he and the other board members hope to continue to grow the program in the future. “Let’s make a difference in as many children’s lives as we can,” he said. The president said the organization is always looking for help and is still accepting sponsors. “I think any person from a nonprofit will tell you that there’s never enough volunteers,” he said. “It really is a labor of love, but I couldn’t be more thankful for it.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Photo courtesy of Peter Schreyer

This image of Deloris Riggins and her 9-year-old son originally was printed in a book on small-town living created by Crealdé School of Art. The photo is among 30 on display at the Maxey Community Center documenting Winter Garden’s black communities.

Remembering yesterday’s Tildenville Deloris Woodard Riggins was raised in the once-thriving community, and she lives in the same house where she was born 67 years ago.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Deloris Woodard Riggins was the last of 16 children born to James and Beulah Woodard in the small and once-thriving community of Tildenville. It was 1955, a time when a midwife came to the home when it was time to deliver the babies in the area. Celeste Poole delivered all the black babies in this rural area south of Highway 50. This house on Coscester Street is special to Riggins, and although she moved away after high school, she eventually made her way back about 20 years ago to the home built with her father’s hands. It has been in the family for nearly a century. Several of her older siblings are still liv-

Photo by Amy Quesinberry Deloris Riggins’ parents, siblings and other family members have always been an important part of the Tildenville community. The Woodards owned a community store and, later, the popular Silver Moon Grocery & Bar.

ing, but she is the lone Woodard of her generation to remain where their roots were first planted. Riggins smiles recalling her childhood. She admits she was a tomboy and a rebel and the ringleader in her circle of friends. “It was just, it was carefree,” she said of her youth. “I always was in some type of trouble. … Over on this side (of Avalon Road) they had a pond that I used to always sneak out, and I loved to fish, and I would go fishing. And where they have the new (SunRidge) Elementary School at, it used to be all orange groves. I used to walk in there and hike up in there; just ripping and running, walking around.” LIFE AMONG LABORERS

Tildenville was planned in the late part of the 19th century as a home for transplanted agricultural workers from Georgia. It was a citrus community with several labor camps. Riggins remembers there being several near her home, including the Top Hat Labor Camp, which has efficiencies inhabited by folks — mostly young men — who came from places like Arkansas and Missouri and Jamaica to pick citrus in Winter Garden and harvest vegetables at the muck farms in Zellwood. “My mother was like a caretaker for a lot of those young men who came in,” Riggins said. “She made sure they ate and they kept in touch with their families while they were away. She was like the mother hen. “My dad was basically like my mom — he was a caregiver of the community,” she said. “We used to have orange trees all up in here. … They had hog pens back on the back half of this property, and he would slaughter the hogs and take them and clean them out and divide the meat and send the meat around the community and make sure everyone had food to eat.” Riggins’ father — a pillar in the Tildenville community — died when she was 9. The Woodards were strong Christians and regularly attended Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church. “It was expected of me to go every Sunday,” Riggins said. “But did I go every Sunday? I went in the front door and out the back.” She usually marched from the back door of the church straight to the labor camp. “They always had something going on in the camp, and I had to be part of it,” she said. “It was kind of hard to tell me no, because I was a tomboy and I fought, physically. … I was one these kids who, you ever see a child whose self-esteem is low? And that’s the way I was. It seemed like everybody had something to say, always picking at me or talking about me, and I would always be fighting someone.” A community school once stood south of the Woodard home, and this is where the children of Tildenville went for first through sixth grades. The remaining school years were spent at the segregated Charles R. Drew High School, on East Story Road. Drew closed before Riggins graduated, so

she and her classmates attended Lakeview High School. This wasn’t an easy transition for Riggins and her low self-esteem. “I stayed in so much trouble at lakeview,” she said. “Mr. (Robert) Ford was the principal. He was used to me being in the office almost every day. “Back then was (when) desegregation first came about,” she said. “The kids didn’t want us coming to Lakeview; they wanted us really to stay at Drew. They did not want to integrate with us. I, in turn, ‘Because you don’t want me there, I don’t want to be there.’ I used to be a little instigator.” Riggins graduated from Lakeview in 1972 and lived her life in several different states before returning home to Tildenville. STAYING IN BUSINESS

The Woodards owned a community store next to the family home when Riggins was a child. It was one of three in the neighborhood. She remembers Boise Jones owned the other two, one of which was located on the west side of Avalon Road where Tucker Ranch is now. Just west of the Woodard house was the Silver Moon Grocery & Bar, a family-owned one-room juke joint that has offered music, drink and respite to Tildenville’s residents for decades. A small piece of the original Silver Moon still stands. COVID-19 temporarily shuttered the operation, but when it eventually reopens, it will continue offering sodas and chips and knickknacks by day and a tavern setting by night. Riggins’ nephew, Willie Woodard Jr., runs the place. TURNING POINT

“At one time Tildenville used to be thriving,” Riggins said. “That was before the (Florida’s) Turnpike came in. When the turnpike came in, it changed everything. There used to be a camp (called South Lake) on this side of the expressway, and when the turnpike came, they had to tear those houses down. “That became a dividing line; this was the quarters,” she said. “This was where everything was at; this was where you had to come if you wanted to purchase anything other than going up to Winter Garden.” But, eventually, the stores closed and many of the residents went away. “This side dwindled; you could see the decline in it because of the turnpike (and) when the freeze came through and killed all the citrus,” she said. But life has a funny way of coming full circle for some, as it did for Riggins. Tildenville is her home, despite the lack of businesses. And this century-old house is her home, despite the weather-worn boards and peeling paint. “I just always wanted to stay here,” Riggins said, looking at her home and smiling.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

“Save the lost, revive the saved, and train them all!”

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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Justin LaGasse believes so strongly in the mission to share the gospel of Jesus with college students that he even took off a semester from his own college studies. The Winter Garden resident is a firm believer in Christ and jumped at the chance to travel as a volunteer with the Circuit Riders missions outreach team. The mission of the Circuit Riders is: “Save the lost, revive the saved, and train them all!” “This is an incredible opportunity that God called me to and, in obedience, I have committed to,” LaGasse said. “I (am) a part of establishing connections and leading collegeage students in salvations at each and every college that we visit.” LaGasse, who plays keyboard, learned about the program while visiting with a friend in a coffee shop in Orlando. When he learned the organization needed keyboardists on the tour, he prayed about it and submitted his application and video. “I said, ‘God, I don’t know if I want to do this,’” he said. “But … I got a call like three weeks later saying, ‘Hey, listen, we’d love to have you on the tour. When can you come out?’” He quit his job, halted his college studies at the University of Central Florida and moved back into his parents’ house prior to the start of the tour. “We are funded by donors, and it’s 100% a volunteer position in every way,” LaGasse said. “It’s very difficult to do; it’s something you have to give your life up to and have faith your funds will come.” His first day with the Circuit Riders was Jan. 15, and he has been leading worship on keyboards with the band. And although he signed up as a musician, he shares the gospel in other ways while with the organization. LaGasse is about halfway through the two-month “Carry the Love” tour with the Midwest team, which has taken him to colleges in several states, including Michigan, Ohio and South

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“We believe you can’t understand love if you don’t know God, because God is love.” — Justin LaGasse Dakota. He is traveling with mostly young adults and a few program elders. “The mission is just

to set people on fire for Christ,” LaGasse said. “We share the gospel, we see salvation, but we want to see people on campuses and in schools and in the workplace sharing the gospel. … We host a night where we worship and we send out a message. This year’s tour message is God is Love. That’s the main focus. … There are lot of people seeking love. Love is the cure for evil. … We believe you can’t under-

Justin LaGasse is seeking donations to fund his two-month mission tour with Circuit Riders, a missions outreach team that sends Christians to college campuses across the United States. He estimates he needs $4,000 to cover flights, commutes, food, warm clothes and car payment. He has access to Venmo, Cash App and Zelle for folks who want to donate that way, and he can be reached at (407) 951-0031. Tax receipts can be given to those who pay online through myPco.org. Donations also can be made at givelify.com or through Purpose Church, purposechurchorlando.org.

s t a n d love if you don’t know God, because God is love. “I find a lot of power in that,” he said. When he returns to Central Florida next month, he will need to decide on his next move. He could return to UCF and continue his studies in sports medicine — but there is a movement called The Send in Missouri that he’s interested in working with for

Traffic light coming to Clarcona-Ocoee, Ingram After months of public pushing, Ocoee is putting a light at a dangerous intersection. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

After months of negotiations with Orange County Government, the Ocoee City Commission announced preparations are being made to install a traffic light at the intersection of ClarconaOcoee and Ingram roads, which has gained notoriety for the frequent crashes that occur there. Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson read a letter from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announcing the county will be installing a traffic light and construction will begin in the near future. “Now that the interlocal agree-

ment has been fully executed, (they) are proceeding with the construction process,” Demings’ letter read. “(Their) public works department staff held a court nation meeting on Jan. 12, 2022, with the contractor to initiate the project.” However, due to the supply shortage around the country, key parts will not be available to allow the light to be installed right away. Because of this, the contractor said it would take six months to construct, according to the letter. “(The) team will do everything in (their) control to expedite completion,” Johnson read. The traffic light at ClarconaOcoee and Ingram has been a frequent topic of discussion, with citizens asking the commission to install a light to help curb the amount of crashes taking place there. While the commission has promised it is doing everything possible to get that set up, it ulti-

mately came down to whether or not Orange County would be involved in helping with the construction. CLARKE ROAD PROJECT

Commissioner George Oliver announced construction to widen Clarke Road is underway and is to be completed in the fall. While work on the road had been going on since March 2021 with much of the underground work being handled, the visible parts of the construction are to begin this month. “I get a lot of questions on when that is going to happen, so now we are in the middle of the project with the signs coming up that will signal construction is beginning soon,” Oliver said. Construction will be taking place on the east side of the road so it doesn’t disrupt the flow of traffic.

the summer. “I don’t know if I’ll continue (college),” he said. “Sometimes I think about getting a degree — one day when I’m old. I want to live a full life. I want to always look back and say I spent most of my time doing what I want to. … I think I’m more fulfilled when I have something to do.”

IN OTHER NEWS n Commissioner Larry Brinson read a proclamation commemorating February as Black History Month, which is honored by the entire country to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans. It also coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the abolitionist movement to end slavery in the United States. n Prior to the meeting, the commission held its State of the City meeting with a video featuring Johnson speaking on how Ocoee fared during 2021. “2021 brought us so much progress and development,” Johnson said, speaking on updates on the construction of the new City Hall and other projects going on around the city. “We are invested in Ocoee’s continued success as a hub of nature, family, health and fun,” Johnson said in his closing remarks. n Annexation and rezoning of a property on North Lakewood Road was unanimously passed by the commission. n Commissioners voted to cancel the March 15 meeting.

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Theatre South Playhouse to stage ‘Nunsense’ Executive Director Hillary Brook, the playhouse family and guest supporters are coming together for the comedic musical in February. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

What started out in a small office at the Rosen JCC has now turned into an artistic staple in the Dr. Phillips community. Executive Director Hillary Brook started Theatre South Orlando in 2009 with a philosophy that when students are inspired by working with diverse professional artists, anything is possible. “The programs we offer are so unique, and although we primarily started off with a youth focus — we have so much pride in our youth — we now have so many amazing professionals who have joined us, and we really want to be seen as a legitimately professional theater company,” Brook said. As part of that journey, the theatre is now taking on its first professional performance of 2022, “Nunsense.” “Nunsense” follows the story of The Little Sisters of Hoboken who have just discovered that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show. The musical takes audience members on a comedic journey where they meet the Rev. Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the delightfully wacky

Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. “The characters are so perfectly cast that they’re really just an extension of who they are, and that’s what performing is all about — taking yourself and putting yourself into someone else’s shoes,” said Brook, who plays Sister Robert Anne. The show features tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, comic surprises and more. A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Since its original production in the 1980s, the show has become an international phenomenon. “Nunsense” has had more than 5,000 productions worldwide and been translated into 21 languages. Tom Vazzana, who was part of the original production’s creative team more than 30 years ago, will also be joining the playhouse as a guest director. “It was amazing because this little show became a monumental hit and then a franchise,” Vazzana said. “People always say how funny the show is … and that’s all true, but what they forget and what they don’t know is that the reason it worked is because of these five exceptionally strong and authentic women with a heart who carry the show. What they say between the lightning strikes of comedy was kind of ahead of its time in a way.” The guest director said the play was one of the first to showcase individuality and inclusivity. “It’s not what you do or what you

“Nunsense” follows The Little Sisters of Hoboken who attempt to raise money for the unexpected burial of 52 of the sisters by putting on a variety show.

wear — it’s who you are,” he said. “It was one of the first shows to have a person of color in a role dedicated to a person of color, and it showcased women in roles of power. What may have back then seemed untraditional actually was a success.” “The play really is a tribute to the original show,” Brook said. “Normally, at the playhouse, we do our own take of shows, but it’s been really special having Tom here to help us preserve this play.” The playhouse will use most of the original direction by Dan Goggin and the original choreography by Felton Smith. In fact, Goggin contacted the playhouse and bought two tickets for every show and gave them back as a donation to give to others who might not yet have experienced theater. COVID-19

Brook said the coronavirus pandemic has had a serious impact on the playhouse. The playhouse sold out its “Matilda” rendition in 2019 and was on its way to another big hit when the pandemic hit. “It really took us a while to think outside the box, and we went to

LEGACY EVENTS FOR EDUCATION PRESENTS THE INAUGURAL

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Main Stage production of “Nunsense” WHEN: Feb. 10-20 WHERE: Theatre South Playhouse at 7601 Della Drive, Suite #15 TICKETS: bit.ly/3HyQ3Ds

online programming because safety is 100% our top priority,” she said. “If someone gets sick, we can’t have a show, and theater is here to teach us and to help us escape, especially during these times.” Vazzana said Brook has gone above and beyond to protect the people who visit the theater, performers, staff and audience. He said she does onsite COVID testing a few times each week and everyone stays masked in the building. HISTORY

Since 2009, Theatre South has not only become a safe place for young people to learn their craft, but also a place for local artists to share their gifts. Theatre South Orlando then became a non-profit in 2016 under the new name, Theater South Play-

house. Today, the playhouse has evolved into a professional theater, an academic conservatory and a community center for chidlren, teens and adults to perfect their craft. The theater’s unique conservatory, going into its fourth year, allows young professional performers to do their schoolwork and stray away from the traditional school schedule. “This accredited school is a special place for someone who may be a little unique and different,” Brook said. “They can sit in and feel okay with who they are and being a creative artist.” Brook said having the support of Dr. Phillips, the theater’s board of directors, friends, family, professionals and the Orlando community as a whole has meant the world to her and the playhouse. “This playhouse is made up of theater artists in the area, and I am so happy to provide them an opportunity to work and develop their craft,” Brook said. “They’re able to give back to the community, teach, perform, build a safe space — and we wouldn’t be able to do any of this without this special community.”

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OCPS making progress with technical school relocation

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Orange Technical College – West Campus is moving to a larger campus and into a new facility that will be custom-built for a tech school, said Lauren Roth, senior manager of Facilities Communications for Orange County Public Schools. OTC West, traditionally known as Westside Tech, opened in 1974 in the former Charles R. Drew High School, which closed in 1969 following desegregation. OCPS has nearly completed the design phase for OTC West’s replacement school, and construction should begin this summer. The new facility, to be located near Ocoee High School on Ocoee-Apopka Road, is on track for a spring 2024 opening, Roth said. “The new site is larger, and it also will allow us to continue offering technical classes in the community without disruption,” Roth said. “There is currently no space for additions.” OTC West sits on 18.8 acres; the new site is 37.5 acres, allowing for more space for handson education. There will be 506 parking spaces and 1,110 student stations, but there is room for future expansion. The school will offer instruction in construction trades, welding technology, apprenticeship, human services and adult education. The facility will have event space, a hybrid lab, student commons, human services labs, construction labs, campus store, childcare and a salon for the community. A construction yard and solar panels are in the plans as well. “It’s that community’s turn,” Roth said of West Orange. “They deserve an updated facility like the others are going to be. This is going to be a custom facility built for the needs of the community, and we’re really excited about it.” The construction budget is $42.3 million.

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OCPS is considering building a bus compound for about 100 buses on the East Story Road site after OTC West moves to its new home in 2024. The idea still is in the planning stages, Roth said. The first community meeting is taking place Wednesday, Feb. 16, so neighbors and residents can hear from OCPS staff as well as facilities, transportation and environmental department representatives. Parked buses are kept at depots; buses can be parked and serviced at the compounds. OCPS currently has four depots and three compounds.

OCPS district staff and School Board Vice Chair Melissa Byrd are hosting a community meeting to discuss the proposed future use of the Orange Technical College - West Campus property after the school is relocated in 2024. OCPS is considering building a bus compound on the site. WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 WHERE: 955 E. Story Road, Winter Garden DETAILS: Call Lauren Roth, OCPS Facilities Communications, at (407) 317-3774 with questions.

Roth said a study showed OCPS needed to find more bus locations. “We had a study in 2011 that said we had buses driving a long way out of their way,” she said. “That wastes a lot of staff time and money,” Roth said. Roth said other compounds are located in neighborhoods. She added that Melissa Byrd, Orange County School Board vice chair, lives in a neighborhood near a bus compound and has said it’s not disruptive. Byrd will be at the Feb. 16 meeting, and attendees will hear a presentation on the proposed idea and why this is the best location. OCPS has not hired an architect, Roth said. “It’s in planning,” she said. “We’re starting the process so we can talk to the community so we can show them what we’re thinking.” Roth said it costs more than $1 million extra annually to move school buses back and forth instead of parking them close to the area they serve. The bus compound, Roth said, would bring more than 150 jobs to the area and save taxpayers money. “It would be a job center, and it would be a new high-tech facility with the latest, most updated pollution standards for the buses, and there would be (intentional construction) for minimal impact on the neighborhood. The buses and maintenance bays would be positioned closer to the industrial uses near there.” HONORING HISTORY

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The former Drew High site is full of history, and OCPS intends to memorialize the space with possibly a historical marker, Roth said. “OCPS is very aware of how meaningful, of how important this site is to the community, and we respect that, and we want the highest and best use of the property, just like they do.”

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All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

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The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

THRU 8/31/21

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at

407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. Any Clear Swinging This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Shower Door up1122 to 25Bichara s/f Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Chamber announces triumphant return of Big Orange Awards The annual celebration of accomplishments returns with a groovy theme. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Pull out your flowered jumpsuits, leisure suits and other ’70s-inspired cocktail attire and join the West Orange Chamber of Commerce for its annual Big Orange Awards — back after a hiatus because of COVID-19. The annual program takes place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. The chamber, which was started in 1972, is taking guests back to where it all began with a ’70s-themed celebration of accomplishments and triumphs of some of its 1,100 member businesses. “The West Orange Chamber is excited about this event and having the opportunity to honor those who have done so much for our community,” said Krista Compton Carter, chamber vice president. Two awards will be announced that night — the recipients of the small and big businesses of the year. Other members are receiving the following awards: Chair’s Award, Orlando City Commissioner Bakari Burns, for his commitment to advancing the business community; Mary Van Deventer “The Spirit of West Orange” Award, Lynetta Tipton Steed, for her nearly 20-year commitment to the community and sharing her expertise to help others, especially women, succeed; Sam Hovsepian Award, Oakland Town Commissioner Joseph McMullen, for his contributions to the community in his capacity as president of The Tri-County League of Cities and his leadership of HAPCO; George Bailey Award, Joe Dunn, for being the master of building partnerships that better the community that are

BIG ORANGE AWARDS WHEN: Friday, Feb. 11: reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner and program from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, 1000 W. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista TICKETS: $110 for chamber members, $150 for non-members and $900 for reserved corporate tables for eight. Reservations can be made at bit.ly/3APoNOp.

focused on protecting and enhancing the natural environment; Bert Roper Award, West Orange Healthcare District, for its continued focus on improving the wellbeing and quality of life of this community; Lifetime Ambassador, Joan Bailey, for her compassionate nature and dedication to the West Orange Chamber Ambassadors; and the Danniel J. Petro “The Bright Future of West Orange” Award, JoAnne Quarles, for being committed to the community for the last 45 years and emulating the qualities of this award’s namesake: tenacity, determination and building lifelong relationships. Event sponsors are Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando Health, AdventHealth, Duke Energy, Healthy West Orange, Dawn Gilmore Productions and State Farm Insurance – Jo Barsh Agency.

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Tell Your Story allows brands and businesses to connect directly with the Observer’s readership — and participate in the converation — by creating engaging content on the observer’s digital publishing platform. For more on Tell Your Story, email us at advertising@OrangeObserver.com.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Healthy West Orange hosts 2022 Fresh Start Festival

Sandra Murphy and Greg Gordon didn’t let the icy winds stop them from running in the 5K.

Jennifer Hunt from the Oakland Nature Preserve cuddled with Primrose the opossum.

ealthy West Orange hosted the 2022 Fresh Start Festival Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. The festival aimed to encourage locals to kick start the new year with healthier and happier habits such as exercising, eating healthy and having a good time. The event kicked off at 9 a.m. in the town of Oakland and ran through noon. Adults, children and pets came together despite the cold weather and gathered at the center, where they played games, took part in activities, tasted delicious bites and listened to catchy tunes. Familiar faces from area businesses also were in attendance, including Warrior One Yoga, Live2Row, YMCA of Central Florida and Vitality Bowls. Perhaps the main event, the 5K, had attendees running, biking and walking, with the option to participate virtually.

Top: iCycle Indoor was one of the many local organizations that attended the event. Left:Anyelika Arboleda from Healthy West Orange hosted a fun wheel to get attendees active.

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OrangeObserver.com

REAL ESTATE

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Work in Your Own Backyard! CITY OF

WINTER GARDEN IS HIRING!

Tired of commuting? Looking for more time to do the things you love? Work where you live and add to your quality of life. As our community continues to grow and thrive, the City of Winter Garden is seeking qualified individuals that exemplify the “Winter Garden Way” of providing top-notch service that residents expect, deserve, and appreciate. Candidates should possess a motivated mindset and a can-do attitude to find creative solutions, while always putting the citizens first.

coldwellbankerhomes.com

The home at 5943 Masters Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan. 12, for $2.1 million. This custom home features a total renovation and overlooks multiple fairways.

Bay Hill estate for $2.1 million community in Dr. Phil-

lips topped all West Orange-

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 58 High Sale Price: $2.1 million Low Sale Price: $218,000

and Southwest Orange-area

area. Days on market: 37.

residential real-estate trans-

BRENTWOOD CLUB

Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan.

The home at 8714 Beckingham Place, Orlando, sold Jan. 18, for $750,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,132 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

12, for $2.1 million. Built in

HERITAGE BAY

actions from Jan. 8 to 14. The home at 5943 Masters

5,447 square feet of living

The home at 9007 Heritage Bay Circle, Orlando, sold Jan. 14, for $786,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,196 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

area. Days on market: Six.

HIDDEN BEACH

1996, it has four bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths and

in West Orange

The home at 6561 Hidden Beach Circle, Orlando, sold Jan. 14, for $485,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,072 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

DR. PHILLIPS

ISLES AT CAY COMMONS

These are the highest-selling homes in each community

BAY HILL

The home at 5943 Masters Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan. 12, for $2.1 million. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths and 5,447 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. The home at 6087 Barrington Court, Orlando, sold Jan. 11, for $860,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,827 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22. The home at 8950 Royal Birkdale Lane, Orlando, sold Jan. 14, for $790,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,668 square feet of living

The condo at 4114 Breakview Drive, No. 11002, Orlando, sold Jan. 12, for $349,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,412 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32. NORTH BAY

The home at 9137 Dollanger Court, Orlando, sold Jan. 11, for $553,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,236 square feet of living area. Days on market: 64. PARKSIDE

The home at 8167 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Jan. 12, for $860,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,306 square feet of

373321-1

home in the Bay Hill

Winter Garden is a great place to both live and work. Explore the job opportunities and the impressive benefit package at www.cwgdn.com and click on Jobs at bottom of home page.

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ANNEXATION OF 44.45 ACRES THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing and proposes to adopt an ordinance to annex property located in the north-central area adjacent to Lake Apopka in the Town of Oakland, Florida, containing approximately 44.45 acres, as follows:

ORDINANCE 2022-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JEFFERSON R. VOSS, JEFFERSON RICH VOSS TRUST, AND VOSS FAMILY HOLDINGS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS 20-22-27-0000-00-005; 20-22-27-0000-00-004; 20-22-27-0000-00-009; 20-22-27-0000-00-036; 20-22-27-0000-00-021; 20-22-270000-00-078; 20-22-27-0000-00-003; AND 20-22-27-0000-00-010, AND LOCATED CONTIGUOUS TO THE TOWN OF OAKLAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ORANGE COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. General Site Description: Approximately 44.45 acres, generally located on the north side of the Town of Oakland, adjacent to Lake Apopka. A public hearing by the Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/developer at the following time, date, and place:

DATE: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal. The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed. Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: : February 22nd Town Commission Hybrid Work Session and Regular Meeting (In-person and Zoom)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83200860019 Meeting ID: 832 0086 0019 Passcode: 2nEURg One tap mobile +19292056099,,83200860019#,,,,*858264# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 832 0086 0019 Passcode: 858264

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Time: February 22, 2022, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Personalized care with compassion and excellence.

REAL ESTATE

living area. Days on market: 20.

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Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Saturday Mornings 8-12 By Appointment Only 1551 Boren Drive, Suite A Ocoee, FL 34761 Wellington Esquea, PA-C Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani

SAND LAKE PRIVATE RESIDENCES

The condo at 8801 Latrec Ace., No. 8103, Orlando, sold Jan. 14, for $218,000. Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,003 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The condo at 4840 Cayview Ave., No. 107, Orlando, sold Jan. 14, for $345,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,097 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

HORIZON WEST

ALEXANDER RIDGE

The home at 2245 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 12, for $595,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,974 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

Se Habla Español

CARRINGTON

The townhouse at 8630 Via Tavoleria Way, Windermere, sold Jan. 12, for $362,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,919 square feet of living area.

Call 407-395-2037 • www.OcoeeKidsDocs.com 373834-1

Serving the Community Since 1966

THE COVE AT HAMLIN

The home at 5554 Thomas Square Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 12, for $545,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,252 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. The home at 15143 Kirsty Alley, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10, for $545,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,055 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

Now Offering PRP Injections

ENCORE AT OVATION

The home at 12056 Encore at Ovation Way, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10, for $525,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,819 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

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The townhouse at 15651 Kinnow Mandarin Lane, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10, for $380,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,196 square feet of living area. Days on market: 73.

373848-1

596 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy, Ocoee, FL 34761-4219

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Oakland Town Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed change to the Town’s Future Land Use Plan Map Designation of its Comprehensive Plan of the following property generally located in the north central quadrant of the Town of Oakland, containing approximately 44.45 acres.

ORDINANCE NO. 2022-04 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE TOWN’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FROM “RURAL” (ORANGE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN) TO “LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL” IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JEFFERSON R. VOSS, JEFFERSON RICH VOSS TRUST, AND VOSS FAMILY HOLDINGS, LLC, BEING ORANGE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER PARCEL NUMBERS 20-22-27-0000-00-005; 20-22-27-0000-00-004; 20-2227-0000-00-009; 20-22-27-0000-00-036; 20-22-27-0000-00-021; 20-22-27-0000-00-078; 20-22-270000-00-003; AND 20-22-27-0000-00-010, WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 44.45 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Location Map:

A public hearing by the Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the following time, date, and place:

DATE: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal. The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed. Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: 374421-1

Topic: February 22nd Town Commission Hybrid Work Session and Regular Meeting (In-person and Zoom) Time: February 22, 2022, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83200860019 Meeting ID: 832 0086 0019 Passcode: 2nEURg One tap mobile +19292056099,,83200860019#,,,,*858264# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 832 0086 0019 Passcode: 858264

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INDEPENDENCE/SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14775 Old Thicket Trace, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10, for $590,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,204 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23. LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The townhouse at 7357 Brightland St., Windermere, sold Jan. 18, for $359,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,497 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five. LAKE REAMS TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 12445 Cruxbury Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 13, for $360,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,311 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12575 Cragside Lane, Windermere, sold Jan. 14, for $430,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,972 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15507 Panther Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 12, for $1,570,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,093 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13. The townhouse at 8931 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 12, for $585,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,162 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27. LAKESIDE VILLAGE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 10765 Village Lake Road, Windermere, sold Jan. 12, for $502,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,317 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. LATHAM PARK NORTH

The home at 14382 Shocklach Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 13, for $660,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,855 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13. PROVIDENCE

The home at 13436 Swansea Ave.,

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Windermere, sold Jan. 11, for $600,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,167 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five. STILLWATER CROSSINGS

The home at 4345 Saltmarsh Sparrow Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 11, for $663,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 3,389 square feet of living area. Days on market: 47. STOREY GROVE

The home at 10223 Love Story St., Winter Garden, sold Jan. 14, for $462,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet of living area. The home at 10217 Love Story St., Winter Garden, sold Jan. 13, for $460,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five. SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7984 Wood Sage Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 13, for $515,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,203 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15552 Murcott Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 14, for $605,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,074 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. The townhouse at 7995 Ava Jade Alley, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10, for $370,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

OAKLAND

JOHNS LANDING

The home at 204 Largovista Drive, Oakland, sold Jan. 11, for $450,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,137 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18. OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 2183 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Jan. 14, for $420,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,052 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

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The home at 15507 Panther Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 12, for $1,570,000. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Jan. 8 to 14

two-and-one-half baths and 2,334 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

OCOEE

ADMIRAL POINTE

The home at 884 Chauncey Court, Ocoee, sold Jan. 14, for $517,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,730 square feet of living area. Days on market: 140.

SAWMILL

The home at 6927 Sawtooth Court, Ocoee, sold Jan. 14, for $337,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,732 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

AMBER RIDGE

The home at 2075 Hedgerow Circle, Ocoee, sold Jan. 12, for $335,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,626 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven. EAGLES LANDING

The home at 2858 Eagles Landing Trail, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 14, for $690,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,763 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22. FOREST RIDGE

The home at 167 Laurel Ridge Ave., Ocoee, sold Jan. 11, for $335,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,446 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. REMINGTON OAKS

The home at 1996 Hargate Court, Ocoee, sold Jan. 10, for $345,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms,

SOUTHWEST ORANGE ROYAL LEGACY ESTATES

The home at 9234 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Jan. 12, for $910,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,199 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

WINDERMERE

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 1005 Lascala Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 11, for $601,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,442 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. SILVER WOODS

The home at 9142 Palm Tree Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 14, for $455,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,026 square feet of living area.

WINDERMERE

The home at 125 North Drive, Windermere, sold Jan. 14, for $1.075 million. Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,862 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

WINTER GARDEN AVALON ESTATES

The home at 11400 Lovers Lane, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 11, for $765,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,517 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. AVALON RESERVE

The home at 1070 Vinsetta Circle, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 11, for $525,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,504 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 15657 Golden Bell St., Winter Garden, sold Jan. 14, for $510,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,435 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. DANIELS CROSSING

The home at 1462 Daniels Cove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10,

Happy Birthday

ORANGE COVE

The home at 717 Sunburst Cove Lane, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10, for $319,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,249 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. VILLAS AT TUCKER OAKS

The townhouse at 1441 Scarlet Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 10, for $326,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,599 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. The townhouse at 1353 Scarlet Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 14, for $324,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,589 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16. WESTFIELD LAKES

The home at 300 English Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 13, for $690,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,204 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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WINDERMERE ELEMENTARY Kim Taylor is the media specialist at Windermere Elementary. Not only does she run the media center, but she also teaches technology, library science and robotics to all students. She runs the News Crew, Robotics Team and Battle of the Books Team. She supports all faculty, students and parents with technical issues, maintains inventory of all digital devices, and trains and supports faculty and staff with OCPS digital programs. In addition, she oversees all social media, school newsletters and the website for the school. One of her favorite tasks is running the Book Fair and raising funds for library books for

What brought you to your school? I have four sons, and my two oldest sons were attending Windermere Elementary. I had been a stay-athome mom for nine years. My youngest sons were in preschool, and it was time for me to return to the classroom. I was thrilled to be able to teach at the same school that my children were attending. What do you love most about your school? WES truly means family. It is a wonderful place to learn and a great school family. Everyone is fully invested in our children.

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What is your motivation? The kids are absolutely my motivation! They bring such joy, and it is so rewarding to witness a child grow and flourish. Our children come to us so eager to learn, and to watch them learn and grow never gets old.

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What is the most rewarding part of your job? It is a tie between making learning fun and celebrating students’ success. Both are extremely rewarding. I love when kids leave my class saying, “That was fun!” or “This was the best day ever!” and not realizing that they just learned something new.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to spend time with my boys, who are all golfers. They recently gave me golf clubs for Christmas so that I can play with them. I’m learning! I also love to spend time with friends.

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POSITION: Media Specialist YEARS AT SCHOOL: 16 years, OCPS 25th year

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I loved being in school and had many wonderful teachers. My first true favorite was Miss McBride. She was my third-grade teacher, and she used to bring her guitar to class and sing with us just for fun. She was hip and cool and sang current songs. We would all do anything to get her to play her guitar for us. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a teacher and inspired me. At one point we were both teaching kindergarten at the same time for OCPS, and we had the best time sharing ideas. What is your favorite children’s book and why? My favorites tend to be based on how the book made me feel when I was reading it. “B is for Betsy,” because it was the first chapter book that I ever read by myself. “Good Night, Gorilla” because I used to read it a million times to my babies, and anything by Eric Carle because when I met him in

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

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE person, I was absolutely starstruck. What are your hobbies? Reading! I also like to do home improvement projects. We also recently began gardening. In fact, we just had broccoli that we grew for dinner! If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? If I could have a superpower, I would want to be able to influence people’s minds and lead them to make choices that, in effect, make the world a better place, such as solving world issues such as clean water, education for all, cures for diseases. I would want to influence them to make such issues top priorities and to take the path that may not have all of the glory or monetary rewards, but truly helps people all over the world. If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? If I think of it more as my favorite bands rather than listening to them forever, I am better able to narrow it down. My taste fluctuates with my mood. If I am feeling nostalgic, I like to listen to ’70s and ’80s groups such as Fleetwood Mac or Queen. If I am feeling stressed, I like to listen to spa music. Currently I like Thomas Rhett, Maroon 5 and Adele. What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember? When I was in school in Chicago, we used to walk home for lunch. Our moms would have lunch ready for us, and if we were quick, we could watch a few minutes of “Bozo’s Circus” before we walked back. Sometimes I would be jealous of the kids that lived further from the school and got to stay for lunch and recess. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? I was born in Chicago, and my very first best friend, Roberta, is still my good friend. While we live hundreds of miles apart, we still visit each other each year and our families are close. After we moved to Florida, my next best friend, Jodi, is still my friend to this day, and we get together monthly. I truly value all of my friendships and wouldn’t have been able to survive without my village. — ANNABELLE SIKES

West Orange High Theatre Department in need of community support Although the department’s recent accomplishments are huge, it now has bills that will be, too.

HELP THE WOHS THEATRE DEPARTMENT

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The students of the internationally recognized West Orange High School Theatre Department are making an impact that goes way beyond the walls of the classroom. The students have been resilient in persevering despite the pandemic. In the last few months, the department’s Thespian Troupe 1983 participated in the Florida State Thespian Festival for its oneact play “Ruby’s Story,” which the 33 students involved in the play put together in only two weeks. “Ruby’s Story” received the Critic’s Choice One-Act award; Critic’s Choice Tech award; the Outstanding Student Design award, which went to Ryan Chillinsky; and the Outstanding Lead Actress award, which went to Eislinn Gracen. Additionally, the show received superior ratings in both performance and technology. The All-Star Cast award went to Annabelle Peebles, and the All-Star Crew award went to stage manager Alex Battenfield. Two West Orange students won Best in Show for their individual events, including Gina DiGiovani for Solo Musical and Zachary Miles for Lighting Design. The department’s “Pippin” fall musical, which premiered in October, also was invited to perform as a Mainstage at the state festival. The production took about seven weeks to put together and has about 65 students. “I’m really proud of my students,” WOHS Director of Theatre Tara Whitman said. “They really work hard, and they don’t need to be led one on one. They understand the importance of the work they do and will constantly ask me if they can do something to help or make things better to improve.” Although the department’s recent accomplishments are huge, it now has bills that will be, too. Whitman said the department is currently focusing on fundraising. Taking both shows to the state festival in March will require about $30,000 to $40,000.

TICKETS: teachtix.com/wohs FUNDRAISING PAGE: bit.ly/3g6Wstu TO HELP OR DONATE: Email Director Tara Whitman at tara.whitman@ocps.net FUNDRAISING FOR A CAUSE

Now, the theater department is asking the West Orange community for its help. The director said the theater is drastically out of date and under-resourced. She said the department owns no working microphones, uses a 30-year-old sound console, has broken lighting fixtures and is running a lighting console that stopped updating at Windows Vista. The six-foot holes in the theater’s curtains also hint at a need for replacement. Because of the deficits, the department works harder to rent equipment for every show. Whitman said the bills cost the theatre at least $10,000 each time it rents equipment. “You may wonder why we take on such ambitious things and so many of them if we don’t have the means,” she said. “It’s simple: I do it for the students. They are being offered a hands-on theater education and find their purpose. I have a group of teenagers who have a strong work ethic and are here with me, staying out of trouble. These students are deserving of so much and should not be offered less opportunity simply because our facilities are in terrible shape.” The director emphasized WOHS Principal Matt Turner and administrators continue to support the department in any way they can, but that the scope is “beyond them at this point.” The students are in need of several big asks from the community, including donations of light and sound equipment, a semitruck to transport the productions to states in Tampa — although the department already has a licensed driver — and box trucks for the smaller show. Whitman shared there are multiple ways the community can help to support the

Courtesy Photo

school’s theater program. Locals can sponsor the students, many of whom will have a hard time paying for the trip to Tampa; help with the bigger asks; or even pass along the need for help to other friends or family members. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Another way to help is for residents to see the department’s upcoming shows. WOHS Theatre will present Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” Feb. 10 to 13. Whitman said the show will be family friendly and will even have an additional 10 a.m. performance on Saturday, Feb. 12, for young audience members, which will include a sing-along, dancing and nap time. “Any families with small children that may want to get them out of the house to see a beloved story can bring them to this show,” she said. “Although the show is meant for children, as we know, everyone loves ‘Frozen’ and the story it tells. It’s going to be a beautiful performance.” “Pippin” will then run again from March 4 to 6, and “Ruby’s Story” will run again March 9. The theater’s next show, “Les Miserables,” will come after states and run May 4 to 8. “It feels really nice to be supported by this community,” Whitman said. “I just have this huge sense of pride for Winter Garden because, to me, it still has that small-town feel that it did before. So being Winter Garden’s oldest high school currently, it’s nice to have that community feel.”

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W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

85 years ago

Mayor George Walker announced that work was to begin again on the construction of the auditorium at Trailer city. He said the completion of the new City Hall would not be reached until March 1. The Winter Garden Welfare League held its monthly meeting at the home of the president, Mrs. C.W. Irrgang Jr. Plans were completed for the Valentine Dance to be given at the West Orange Country Club with Buddy Rogers and his Rhythm Club furnishing the music. Miss Clara Wendell was hostess to the American Childhood Education Club at her home in Gotha.

80 years ago

Florida was allotted a quota of 1,813 new passenger automobiles for rationing in March, April and May to eligible buyers. This was the third highest number allotted to any state in the southeast.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

70 years ago

Plans were made for the start of a Little League Baseball unit. Temporary officers were Dr. Otho Watford, president; Flip Sterns, vice president; and Bob Ken, secretarytreasurer. Mrs. Milton Deariso entertained for her little daughter, Bea, on her 7th birthday.

Randy Freeman, a 1973 graduate of Ocoee High School, was named the Top Debater in Florida for 1977. He won first place in varsity speaking at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Tournament in Gainesville.

40 years ago

Members of the Lakeview Junior High School Valentine Court were the following girls: Kim Craven, Julianne Morris, Julie Purdy, Lisa

Reagan, Debbie Baird, Robin Barber, Ramona Brown and Heather Hawes.

20 years ago

Ashley Keating, Kelsey Tressler, Kate Stewart and Jenna Cross, all of Winter Garden, competed in a schooling horse show at Affinity Farms in Eustis. Kelsey and Jenna showed their horse, Blended Perfection, in the beginners level, winning three first-place ribbons

and a third place. Kate showed Too Cute for You in the beginners level and won a first and several other ribbons. Ashley showed her horse, Admiral Jones, in a Green Horse level, winning three firsts, a second and two fourth places. Confetti cannons and a dramatic painting of Cinderella Castle added to the festive atmosphere at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland as its new Christian Life Center was dedicated.

celebrity cipher

WALK AROUND THE BLOCK by Paul Coulter. Edited by Amanda Rafkin 56 Mine extractions 58 Not “with it” 60 Duel-purpose equipment? 61 Gets on DOWN 62 Bring together 1 “___ the season ...” 67 Burn a little 2 As many as 68 Little kids 3 On a ___ (just for fun) 69 Singer India.___ 4 Bad day for Caesar 70 “Go ahead!” 5 Person living the high 71 French film award hidlife? den in “chances are” 6 Brewing ingredient 72 “Ad ___” (2019 film) 7 Boxer dubbed “The 73 “The Matrix ResurrecGreatest” tions” genre 8 Bedside light 74 Reduce by cutting 9 Hot water, metaphori75 Snooped cally 76 Dutch cheese 10 Dutch beer 77 Take in or let out 11 Narrow valley 78 Subtly suggested 12 Beam of sunlight 80 In the center of 13 Not the same 81 Org. that inspects air 14 Its capital is Minsk bags? 15 Fender flaw 83 Blueprint detail, for 16 The “A” of BART short 17 Curiosity rover’s 87 Thurman who played destination Poison Ivy 19 Many kilt wearers 90 “Bravo!” 24 Podcast interviewer 91 Away, in a way 26 Quaint stopovers 92 Egg-based paint 29 Words before a kiss 93 Slam-dancing spot 34 Sound heard through a 95 Fail to articulate stethoscope 96 Small amount 35 Fine-tunes 97 Classic theater name 36 Constantly irritate 99 Does as a group? 37 Holey shoe 100 Bumpy amphibians 38 Like sundial numerals 104 Skater Rippon 39 Artist Yoko 105 Brain section 41 “Still awake?” 106 In need of directions 42 Salsa and guacamole, 107 With proficiency e.g. 108 “Little piggies” 43 LGBTQ+ activist 109 Talk back to George 110 Jason’s ship 44 Bean products? 111 Flirty eye gesture 45 “Ya think?!” 112 Joint with a cap 48 ___ and cheese 114 Dallas NBAer 52 Tennis champ Ste116 Letter before omega phens 117 Football scores (Abbr.) 53 Per item 54 Give the cold shoulder to 55 Capital near a fjord

122 Ran into 123 Group of quail 124 Desert refuge 125 Takes a hit

32 Under-cover location? 33 Coffee vessel 1 Bulb bloom 34 San Francisco gaybor6 Mediterranean island hood (last 4 letters ...) nation 40 Biden’s secretary of 11 Food, informally defense (... + first 2) 15 Beaver’s construction 46 Squirrel away 18 Apple tablet software 47 “I’m treating!” 20 It’s a real eye-opener 49 Cooking liquids 21 Narrow road 50 Big fuss 22 Prohibition, e.g. 51 “Do ___ others ...” 23 Long rides? (See the last 3 letters of this clue’s 52 Country with a Taualuga dance answer ...) 25 Certain makeup pencil 54 Chicken noodle, e.g. (... + the first 2 of this one) 56 Gave the thumbs-up 57 “My fault!” (last 2 let27 “Let’s hear it!” ters ...) 28 Add 30 Airline with a kangaroo 59 Agency measuring the U.S. population (... + logo 31 Non-earthlings (Abbr.) first 2) 63 L.A. winter hours

FEB. 10, 1972 To celebrate the day of love, “The Winter Garden Times” printed in its Feb. 10, 1972, issue the images of several postcards reportedly found in an attic that were dated 1910. This edition also included advertisements from jewelry stores and card shops offering promise rings and other sentiments of love.

64 “High” time? 65 Orange juice option 66 About an hour before two 67 Get dry, like lips 68 ‘90s exercise trend 70 Speaker’s platform 71 Redeem, like chips 74 Opening for sweat 75 Dessert wine 76 Practical joke 79 Houdini, e.g. (last 2 letters ...) 82 Go it alone (... + first 4) 84 Use a swizzle stick 85 Artistic inspiration 86 Spades and hearts, e.g. 88 Mini-golf stroke 89 Response to “Speak!” 90 Enter 92 Not wild

93 Euripides tragedy 94 A life’s purpose (last 3 letters ...) 98 Online shopping button (... + first 2) 101 Texter’s chuckle 102 Archer’s asset 103 Lip balm brand 104 Indirectly refer (to) 107 Turn into a musical, say 109 Seattle NFL player 113 Part of a frame that you pass through (last 3 letters ...) 115 Material spotted on a runway? (... + first 2) 118 Tummy muscles 119 Racetrack shape 120 Lock of hair 121 Conversed in ASL

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “SDJU HMBBYGT EGSEJG ADTGBLRMDT USA NMD CG HYLGBMCJG MDT PMEEU MR RPG LMHG RYHG.”

– NPBYL BSNZ

“GZF TGFYK TGZYK DP DPNNPF JX UGFP XGYYGTPK OPF PBWURYP. JN JV KJUJEJVOPK TJNO OPF RWVVJEI.” – KWE FWNOPF GE DPNNH TOJNP

– SFW ZWIIBC

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals V

crossword

ACROSS

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Puzzle Two Clue: B equals X

Beverly Johnson, a student at West Orange High School, was selected as a judge for the Walt Disney World Community Service Awards program. Lakeview Junior High School was the setting for a festive Valentine Dance. Chris Orie, escorted by Timmy Carter, was crowned queen of the dance. Principal Otto Dickman was the star dancer for the evening.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation documents and preserves both images and the history of the region’s black citizens. Call (407) 656-3244 to share your heritage with the collection.

Puzzle One Clue: Z equals K

45 years ago

Worshipers stand in front of Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church, on Massey Street, in the traditionally black neighborhood of south Tildenville. The present church building replaced this structure, shown in the 1950s. Amanda Booker operated the church’s childcare center on the property for many years; it no longer stands. The church also administers Oakland’s African American Cemetery.

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

2-10-22

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

SPORTS A ‘TITAN TITAN’-IC 5 CELEBRATION 1 HIGH

Alexis Beaulieu won a district championship in weightlifting and is headed to states. Page 16.

Former West Orange wrestling coach Kristen Iannuzzi was honored Feb. 5 as an inductee of the West Metro Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame’s class of 2022 during the Metro West Conference Championships at Winter Park High School. Iannuzzi retired as head coach of the Warriors prior to the start of the wrestling season after serving for 13 years. She left coaching to take an administrative position with Orange County Public Schools.

The Olympia tennis team honored its beloved late coach in the first match of the season. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

n a sunny, slightly chilly day — by Florida standards — in early February, the Olympia High tennis team held its first home match of the season against Wekiva. While the action on the court was a big part of the day Monday, Feb. 7, the biggest moment came before the match started with a ceremony to honor former Titans head coach Harvey “Bubba” James, who passed away during the winter break at the age of 65. He spent nine seasons as the Titans’ head tennis coach. James’ sister, Carol Haderer, took over as head coach not long after he passed away — and right away proclaimed the season was dedicated to James and that it would be done “the Bubba way.” What’s “the Bubba way”? It was easy to proclaim in the three sayings the Olympia tennis team wore on the back of the shirts players wore for the match against the Mustangs: “One point at a time” — take each match only one point at a time rather than the whole; “Power of the pen” — as James always used to say, “You never know when you need

Windermere Prep’s girls weightlifting team will send a school-record eight athletes to the Class 1A state championship competition after placing third at the regional championships. The Lakers won the district championship Jan. 19 and sent three athletes to states in 2021. The state meet begins Feb. 10 at Port St. Joe High School and will last until Feb. 12.

Windermere’s wrestling team placed six wrestlers in the top five at the Metro West Conference Championships at Winter Park Feb. 5. Senior Jerry Vargas placed the highest with a secondplace finish in his weight class. The Wolverines had three third places, including senior Kurt Vollenweider, and two fifth places. Windermere’s last regularseason meet will take place at Ocoee at the Ocoee Mat Classic Feb. 12.

Foundation Academy girls basketball took home its third straight district championship by defeating Windermere Prep 75-18 Feb. 4. The Lions’ victory capped off a banner week for Foundation Academy, which included both the boys and girls soccer teams winning district championships and the competitive cheer team winning a state championship. Foundation Academy will play P.K. Yonge at home in the first round of the Class 3A state tournament Feb. 10.

SEE BUBBA PAGE 16

Photo by Chris Martucci

The Olympia tennis team released balloons in the school colors in honor of former head coach Harvey “Bubba” James prior to its first match against Wekiva.

Windermere Prep alum wins Latin America Amateur Championship Aaron Jarvis will be the first golfer from the Cayman Islands to compete at the Masters.

Nine teams from West Orange County will compete in the state tournament. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

West Orange County high schools will be well-represented at the FHSAA state soccer playoffs taking place this week with nine teams (including two from the same school) vying for the title of state champion.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Central Florida Christian Academy’s girls basketball team won its first district title since 2003 with a 52-23 defeat of Geneva in the championship final. The Eagles held Geneva under 10 points in each quarter, including only allowing one point in the second. CFCA begins its playoff journey against Legacy Feb. 10, whom the Eagles defeated in the semifinal of the Class 2A District 7 tournament 52-20.

Aaron Jarvis waited anxiously as the final trio of golfers came up onto the green on the 18th hole at Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog course in La Romana, Dominican Republic. He had just taken the lead at seven under par after hitting a birdie on the final hole — and this was after trailing for much of the Latin America Amateur Championship tournament. Then came the hardest part. He had done his part to position himself well for the victory, but now it was out of his hands. “It was the most nerve-wracking I had ever been in my life,” said Jarvis, a Windermere Prep alum and freshman at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. “I went to go do my scorecard interviews and then I heard … all the chaos around the green; the cameras were there on me. It was a cool experience.”

Who is going to the high school soccer state playoffs?

Editor’s note: All of this is as of press time Tuesday with games taking place Feb. 8 for the girls and Feb. 9 for the boys. Results will be put in online when the paper comes out on Feb. 10. Courtesy Photo

The other two golfers in the group, including former leader Fred Biondi of Brazil, came up. Biondi missed the birdie that would have tied him with Jarvis, leaving Argentina’s Vicente Marzilio with a chance to win. With a bounce that was almost sheer luck, Marzilio’s shot onto the SEE GOLF PAGE 17

GIRLS SOCCER FOUNDATION ACADEMY

A strong season for Foundation Academy continues to the state playoffs. The Lions won the first district title in team history with a 4-0 victory over Mount Dora Christian Academy in the Class 2A District 5 tournament and now will host a home playoff game against Circle Christian in the first round of the Class

2A tournament. Foundation is led by a trio of scorers that scored more than 16 goals during the season. Junior Kaitlyn Clark led the team with 20 goals and 23 assists for a grand total of 63 points, but she is closely followed by teammates Samantha Wall (19 goals) and freshman Madison Krause (18 goals). THE FIRST ACADEMY

The First Academy Royals rallied from a disappointing 202021 season to finish with a record of more than 10 wins in 2021-22. Their reward? A rematch with Lake Highland Prep after losing to them in the Class 3A District 6 final by a mere score of 2-1. TFA had four players register double-digit goals during the season, as well as strong goaltending. The Royals will travel to Lake Highland Prep for the first round match of the Class 3A tournament. SEE SOCCER PAGE 16

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Playoff Excitement

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Alexis Beaulieu

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

HORIZON

Alexis Beaulieu is a member of Windermere Prep’s weightlifting team and has gone to the private school since she was a Pre-K student. Beaulieu competes in the 129-pound weight division for the Lakers and has emerged as one of its top athletes. She won a district championship in the 129-pound division at the district meet at Trinity Prep in January and will compete at the state competition at Port St. Joe Feb. 10 to 12. This is Beaulieu’s second appearance at the state championships after competing last year.

What do you like about Windermere Prep? I like the environment. I’ve been here forever, so I don’t have much else to compare it to. Middle school was very enjoyable for me, and I’ve made a lot of friends here, especially on the weightlifting team. The environment in the weight room is so awesome, so I’ve almost created a second family. What do you like the most about being on the weightlifting team? I love the environment, the friendships I have made with my teammates as well. The environment is super supportive; we encourage mistakes because we want to grow from it. I also love that you want to grow personally and as a team and you’re always setting goals for yourself and not trying to compete with anybody else. You’re your biggest competition. I love that you can set little goals along the way, and as you achieve them, you start feeling better about yourself and growing physically and mentally. How would you describe having (head coach) Micah Kurtz as your coach? He’s great; he has a lot of titles and awards, and he’s nationally known and recognized, which is amazing, but knowing him all these years has been a blessing inside the weight room and outside the weight room. He’s given me so many opportunities. He creates that environment that makes you want to be better for yourself and not for other people. I think that’s great for anybody’s mental health, especially the times we’ve been going through lately. It shows the kind of person that he is, and he cares about everybody that sets foot in the weight room. You’re headed back to states. How does that feel? I competed last year, but I’m younger for most kids in my grade – I just turned 16 in August. Being so young, I was surprised to compete at states last year. Regionals wasn’t my best performance

THE BASICS

AGE: 16 SCHOOL: Windermere Prep GRADE: Junior SPORT: Weightlifting

— I matched my worst total of the year — but I was still able to place 11th in the state. That was surprising for me. Going to states this year, we almost tripled the girls we brought last year. Bringing eight this year is a big improvement, and I’m happy about that for the team. With this being our third year, the goals that we have accomplished have been tremendous. What’s your goal for states? To do better than I did at regionals, which is the goal every week. Another thing I want to do is have fun with my teammates and develop deeper bonds with them. We’re going to make a fun trip out of it and do better. It’s something to learn and grow from for next year as well. What are your hobbies outside of the team? I’m president of the Sports Medicine Club, an editor for the yearbook, and I’m very involved with school athletics. I also assist Coach Kurtz with his FASST program (Future Athlete Strength and Speed Training) by coaching middle-schoolers every Tuesday and Thursday. It’s really fun being called “Coach Alexis.” What’s your goal in sports medicine? I’ve always been interested in sports because some of my family members have gone to the University of Alabama. That piqued my interest because I love watching the team, Nick Saban and all that. When I watched the football teams here and saw the athletic training club doing their work, I wanted to be part of that – being on the sideline of the game, watching the games for free. I joined last year and became the president this summer. The club has grown to 100 people after starting at 20 people, which is one of the biggest clubs at Windermere Prep. It’s something I’d like to do in the future as well.

Horizon shocked many by going undefeated the first two months of the season, and the team refused to look back. The Hawks plowed their way through the district tournament to face McKeel Academy in the championship final. Although they lost that game 4-0, Horizon showed it could compete with the big teams despite being a first-year program. Horizon, under the direction of head coach Thomas Brown, scored goals in bunches with contributions from everyone on the team and didn’t allow many with a strong defense and goaltending. The team scored 78 goals in 16 games, including an astonishing 19 in the first two games of the district tournament before being shut out by McKeel. The Hawks travel to The Villages for their first-round matchup with The Villages Charter. WINDERMERE

Windermere’s strong season culminated in a district championship, defeating Olympia by a score of 2-0 in the Class 7A District 5 championship game. The team also

Olympia honors coach CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

to change the lineup”; and “Nobody home” — something he’d say during a doubles match when a player hit the ball so well that no opponent was there to send it back. Olympia Athletic Director Kevin McElveen was the first speaker of the afternoon. He shared the last conversation he had with James before he died and the memories he’d always carry with him. A couple of days before he died, McElveen was speaking with James about the upcoming season and the academic — CHRIS standing of an athlete he was conMARTUCCI cerned about. The small crowd gathered for the ceremony featured more than just the Olympia tennis team, coaches and parents, but also several other faculty and coaches within the Olympia community who showed up to pay their respects for James’ memory. There was a table with photos of James, which featured his water bottle and mask with “Coach Bubba” on it. After an emotional speech from Haderer came the moment that was only fitting for a day like this. The tennis courts, which had been completed less than two years ago, We’re all in this together. would bear James’ name as the State Farm has a long traditionCoach Bubba James Tennis Courts. of being there. That’s one reason It was appropriate because he had why I’m proud to support Westlobbied to get those tennis courts Orange county.. built for a number of years. Get to a better State . Haderer said the day was more

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With a new head coach heading into the season, Foundation Academy faced questions as to how good it would be. The team answered those questions with a district title in a heart-pounding championship final against Legacy Charter, which culminated in the Lions winning in penalties 6-5. The Lions will host Faith Christian in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs. LEGACY CHARTER

The Legacy Eagles had their best regular season in years and were seeded first heading into the Class 2A District 5 tournament, but they fell to Foundation Academy in penalties in the championship final. The Eagles travel to Winter Haven for their first round game against All Saints’ Academy. HORIZON

Just like the girls team, the Horizon Hawks boys soccer team impressed

than she ever could have expected or hoped for. “The players, the parents, being at Olympia on their courts is the best feeling ever,” Haderer said. “I know that Bubba worked hard to make sure Olympia got their full courts, and they did. Them being dedicated with his banner as the entrance onto the court, it’s wonderful.” When the banner was unfurled, Haderer was visibly emotional, full of pride to be associated with someone who had such a large impact on anyone who came in contact with him. His presence loomed large over the game, and it almost felt like he was there in spirit, she said. “I’m proud of the legacy Bubba has put out there,” Haderer said. “I’m proud to be his sister. We’ve helped each other in so many different ways growing up. I’ve always been by his side, and today, he’s right above us. I know he’s here; I feel him. I think the kids feel him, too.” Several former players also showed up to pay their respects to James. Karin Zikra was one of them. She went to Olympia from 2014 to 2018 and played for the Titans tennis team for three years. She now attends the University of Central Florida. “He was so supportive, he always encouraged us and pushed us to always be our best,” Zikra said of James. “He really made it a special time.” When she heard the news on New Year’s Day that he had died, it came as a shock because he appeared to

“I know that Bubba worked hard to make sure Olympia got their full courts, and they did.” - Carol Haderer

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DR. PHILLIPS

A strong regular season for DP ended in disappointment as the team was upset by Olympia in the second round of the Class 7A District 5 tournament. Despite that setback, the team enters the state tournament with a chance to redeem itself. The Panthers travel to Tampa for their first-round matchup against Plant High School. OLYMPIA

After stunning many with a second-round upset of No. 1-seeded Dr. Phillips in the Class 7A District 5 tournament, Olympia’s run came to an end against Celebration in the championship final, losing by a score of 3-2. The Titans earn a first-round matchup against Lakewood Ranch in the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs.

be in good health up until his death, she said. “He was always so active, so it was heartbreaking,” Zikra said. “I reached out to Coach Carol a couple days after and wanted to see how I could convey my condolences and have his memory live on.” Many players, current and former, had a special memory of James that would always live on in their hearts. While most of them were conversations about life or a piece of advice he had given them — senior Ella Sobeck loved talking about the Chicago Cubs with him — he also was not afraid to express tough love when needed. Grant Novotny, a junior on the team, started playing tennis when he was a freshman. Being relatively new to the sport and to team sports, he brought only a water bottle with him to a match rather than a large water jug, as James had requested everyone have. Novotny said he used to be a hotheaded player. That led to a moment between them that still sticks with him. “I came off the court after playing singles and was about to go out and play doubles,” Novotny said. “He stopped me and said, ‘Grant, is that a water bottle?’ I said, ‘Yeah,’ and he got mad at me. He said that I won’t be playing doubles then. I said, ‘Coach, that wasn’t fair,’ and I spiked my water bottle. He had me run five laps around the court. That taught me that there’s always consequences for my actions.” Perhaps the biggest symbolism for the day came when each of the players carried a balloon, starshaped and colored in Olympia school colors, out onto the court and let them fly off into the sky. While it was a new season, and a whole new way of competing without James on the sideline, his memory will never be forgotten by the team as it moves forward with the season.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Nailbiting Finish CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Foundation Academy wins first competitive cheer state championship.

Robert Bit le

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Head coach Rachel Carey was nervous Feb. 2 as the Foundation Academy competitive cheer team prepared to head out for its performance at Exatech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. The team’s warmup had not gone very well, which did not bode well for the team’s optimism going onto the mat for the potential first state championship win in competitive cheer in the school’s history. Any little mistake that could be made was made during that warmup. Several of their competitors, such as Tampa Catholic, had solid warmups by comparison. “They were in our heads a little bit,” Carey said. Prior to going out, the team gathered around and prayed together for a good performance. The message was simple: Whatever happened in warmups stays in warmups. That seemed to have calmed down the jitters as the team took to the mat to give its performance. To Carey’s delight — as well as the contingent of FA fans who made the trip — the routine went off without a problem. Within that span of a few minutes between warmup and the routine, the team gelled to perform for an audience. That nervous feeling slowly gave way to the feeling they could actually win. “It was the best feeling because … I didn’t know after warmup if we had a shot,” Carey said. “Once we hit the routine, and I knew the other teams didn’t hit

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theirs, I knew we had a shot.” That was an even more stressful wait. Unlike in sports such as figure skating or gymnastics, the judges do not announce scores immediately after a performance, so teams do not immediately know what they scored. “It’s subjective, so you never know where it’s going to fall,” Carey said. “Are they going to want difficulty, or are they going to want execution and hit? You never know.” The names of teams slowly were released as the results for the large, non-tumbling team division were announced. Tampa Catholic — the team that had a perfect warmup — came in third place. The anticipation was high as the audience waited to see who would be announced for second place: Suncoast High School. First place: Foundation Academy. Euphoria. After a state runner-up ranking in 2021, the team had finally broken through to the top. “It was unreal,” Carey said. “It’s my third year with the program, and each year I had goals for the program. It was a sense of relief and great accomplishment that it all paid off for that.” Back in Winter Garden, athletic director Lisa Eaves received the news shortly after. She wanted to be at the competition, but two football players were signing their letters of intent at the school, and she had to be present for that. When it officially was confirmed, tears came to her eyes because of what the moment meant — not just for the program, but for the entire Foundation Academy community. “It’s huge for the school,” Eaves said. “Seeing their hard work come true, you can’t ask for more than that. It’s fun seeing the kids beginning to believe that we can compete and be a premiere athletic program. Cheerleading is setting the standard for what it takes to win the championship. It’s exciting to say.” And the team is not done yet. With hardly a chance to let the victory sink in, the team now prepares to compete against the rest of the country at the UCA National Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World during the weekend of Feb. 12.

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and he is exempt into the Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open, the British Amateur Championship and U.S. Amateur Championship. Jarvis, who hales from the Cayman Islands, went to Windermere Prep during the 202021 school year and played on the boys golf team. From there, he received an offer to play golf for UNLV, which he accepted.

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“It was unreal. It’s my third year with the program, and each year I had goals for the program. It was a sense of relief and great accomplishment that it all paid off for that.”

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green hopped off a sprinkler head, giving him a chance to set up for an eagle shot that would force a playoff between him and Jarvis. The shot came up short, giving Jarvis the victory. “My heart was beating on that last putt when he missed it,” Jarvis said. “I learned a lot with how to deal with the nerves, but it was an incredible experience.” That shot was the culmination of a weekend’s work. Jarvis started the tournament in the middle of the pack at two under, but he felt his play was strong enough to put him in a position to be there by the end of the tournament. “I told myself, ‘Just be patient,’ throughout the whole week because it’s a long four days of golf,” he said. “Anything could happen.” That patience paid off as the top of the field fell off on the third day, while he kept getting stronger. On the fourth and final round of competition, Jarvis maintained his strong play,

nailing some key birdie putts to put him in position to take the lead on the 18th hole. “It feels incredible; it was one that I’ve always dreamt about winning the past few years because the prizes on the line are pretty sweet,” Jarvis said. “Now, just going into the tournament, I told myself to go out and have fun.” With the victory in hand, Jarvis, 19, will be able to compete at the Masters tournament in April. That milestone is even bigger when considering he will be the first golfer from the Cayman Islands to compete at Augusta. “It’s something I can learn about, meet a bunch of cool people and learn from them, and enjoy the whole experience, but I still want to compete and do well for myself as well,” Jarvis said. “It’s going to be an incredible opportunity, and I’m looking forward to it.” Jarvis also will be competing at the Open Championship in July,

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BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

www.starkelakebaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD & Christian Academy BAPTIST Pastor Thomas Odom 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST 407-656-8011 astor Casey Butner (407) 656-3097 71 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday: 11 EPISCOPAL AM & 6 PM 07-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH UNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM Wednesday: 7 PM 241 N. Main, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM www.VBCOCOEE.com Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

IRST BAPTIST CHURCH 25 E Plant St., Winter Garden 07-656-2352 UNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional :45 am Bible Study 1:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana astor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org nd Campus: OUNDATION WORSHIP UNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages oundation Academy High School 5304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 07-730-1867

PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden UNITED CHURCH OF (407) 654-9661 CHRIST SundayUNION Service: WINDERMERE CHURCH 10:05 AM 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 WorshipService: times: Saturday 6 PM 9:00am Adult Sunday School www.purposechurchorlando.org 10:00am Worship

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com. To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

www.windermereunion.org

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MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

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Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICANOcoee CHURCH ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee ELLOWSHIP (407) CHURCH 656-2351 Pastor Jeff Pritchard ector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org (407) 656-2351

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