02.11.21 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

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County adding ecotourism center Magnolia Park is getting $4.1 million in upgrades that also include a boat dock and fishing pier.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Does WHATEVER

a SPIDER can

Six-year-old Noah Thompson showed the strength of his favorite superhero — Spider-Man — as he endured his first treatments for leukemia. SEE PAGE 4.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Magnolia Park is getting a much-needed facelift that will bring it up to par with other Orange County parks and improve the park that connects to the trail loop leading around a portion of the 30,800-acre Lake Apopka. The county also is building an

SPORTS

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HE’S BACK!

Bill Chambers has returned to the West Orange dugout. 15.

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On Saturday, Jan. 30, Orlando Health celebrated the opening of Horizon West Hospital. Meet some of the people you’ll see there in our exclusive behind-the-scenes look.

We go behind the scenes at Horizon West Hospital in our health magazine.

YOUR TOWN W.O. CHAMBER PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses and leaders at its 2020 wrap-up at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Deborah Rios-Barnes presented the 2020 Chair’s Award to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Chuck Whittall, of Unicorp National Development, and Deb Linden. of The Vineyard Wine Bar & Bistro. Empire Finish Systems was awarded the Small Business of the Year, and Florida Blue was named Big Business of the Year. The chamber created two special awards, Innovator out of Necessity and Leader out of Necessity, because of the pandemic. Members nominated businesses that have demonstrated innovation and leadership. Leader out of Necessity awards were given to Adam Markowitz, of Howard L. Markowitz P.A., for learning all he could about PPP and sharing that information through chamber virtual events; and Harold Gattereau, of the Vitality Bowls of Ocoee and SEE YOUR TOWN PAGE 2

Six-year-old Noah Thompson is three weeks into his two-year treatment for leukemia.

City of Ocoee, firefighters negotiate new contract

Mysterious & Spooky

Turnover in Ocoee’s fire department has some worried, as the local firefighter’s union continues to work out a new contract with the city.

Dr. Phillips thespians returned to the stage for a quarantined ‘Addams Family.’ SEE PAGE 13.

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Dr. Phillips, who, although his new restaurant dining room was closed, supported frontline workers by providing free healthy food and snacks. The Innovator out of Necessity awards were presented to Marilyn Sawran of Sewing by Marilyn, who made thousands of masks for healthcare workers and the community; and Ted Khoury, of Salon Technologies, who, using his background in chemistry, manufactured hand sanitizer and donated his products locally.

ecotourism center at the lakefront park just north of Ocoee. “It has a lot of potential, and it’s going to give the Orange County residents a chance to enjoy Lake Apopka and to learn the history of Lake Apopka,” Matt Suedmeyer, the county’s parks and recreation division manager, said about the project. The ecotourism center will provide insight into the lake’s history, its current status and its future. “The small building will house a vending company that will have bike rentals and maybe boat rentals,” Suedmeyer said. “It will be an area for concessionaire and small interpretive area inside the building that will show the history of Lake Apopka.” In addition to the eco center, amenities to be built are a new restroom building, new picnic pavilion, and a boardwalk that leads to a fishing pier and future boat dock and mooring area. An inclusive playground is planned with equip-

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The new Magnolia Park will have many upgrades and additions, including an ecotourism center, fishing pier and dock, boat ramp, bike rentals, pavilion and playground.

ment for children ages 5 through 12 and a separate tot lot for ages 3 through 5. The county is adding 92 parking spaces, as well as a redesigned park entrance and new vehicular roundabout near the eco center. Currently, the park only has a restroom that is more than 30 years old, one pavilion and an old boat ramp and pier. The entire project cost is $4.1 million, paid with Orange County investment funds through an initiative launched by former Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Construction is taking place

now at the Magnolia Park’s Ecotourism Center, and the park will be closed until about August. The Lake Apopka Loop Trailhead at the park is closed as well. Residents using the Lake Apopka Loop Trail can park at a designated space temporarily set up by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It is located at 2850 Lust Road and will close once the main trailhead opens in the fall. SJRWMD asks drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to use caution; they will be sharing the road at the entrance to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

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MAGNOLIA PARK 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka PHONE: (407) 886-4231 ACREAGE: 56 WHERE TO PARK Additional parking for Lake Apopka Loop Trail: North Shore Trailhead, 24600 County Road 448A, Mount Dora Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, 20700 County Road 455, Minneola Clay Island Trailhead, 22526 Carolyn Lane, Astatula

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ELECTION: MEET THE CANDIDATES

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

WINTER GARDEN CITY COMMISSION T

he city of Winter Garden’s municipal elec-

tion takes place Tuesday, March 9, and there are six candidates on the ballot. The District 2 candidates are Iliana Ramos Jones and Ron Mueller, who are seeking to replace retiring Commissioner Bob Buchanan. In District 3, Robert “Bobby O” Olszewski — who previously held the seat — is challenging incumbent Commissioner Mark Maciel. For District 4, newcomer Dawn Antonis will challenge incumbent Commissioner Colin Sharman, who has held the seat since 2006. Candidates’ responses have been edited for space and grammar. Read the full, unedited responses online at OrangeObserver.com. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

DISTRICT 3 & 4 CANDIDATES ON PAGES 6-7

DISTRICT 2 ILIANA RAMOS JONES

RON MUELLER

Why do you want to serve as District 2 commissioner? I get the most satisfaction from helping my employees and their families achieve goals in life. I have had the pleasure of serving my community through my business, and now I want to extend my services and get more involved in the direction of Winter Garden. I also want to represent the growing Hispanic community.

Why do you want to serve as District 2 commissioner? I love Winter Garden. When I moved here four years ago, I felt this place was home, and I have been so warmly welcomed. Winter Garden has accomplished a lot, and I am proud of it. As such, I want to preserve our way of life here.

If you are elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? I would like to continue the development of Tucker Ranch, the West Orange Trail and the cleaning Lake Apopka project and, God willing, see it to fruition. Why should District 2 residents vote for you? I have operated a business in Winter Garden for 25 years where I am chief financial officer. I have also lived in the community for most of that time. Many of my nieces and nephews have graduated from the local public schools. I have a vested interest in Winter Garden — maintaining its charm and character — and will work with the city manager and other commissioners to maintain a fiscally sound budget. What are your thoughts on Winter Garden’s approach to managing or accommodating growth within the city? The city’s approach to filling commissioner seats requires the candidate to live in the district. This ensures that they have a stake in the neighborhood. We all love the small-town charm and atmosphere, and living in District 2, I want to maintain that feel. What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? Having three major thoroughfares (State Road 429, Florida’s Turnpike and State Road 50) crisscross our community is both a blessing and a curse. It allows quick access to all of Central Florida for residents but also brings traffic through our community. These access roads also make our community attractive for businesses looking for a great access. I would work with state, county and adjacent cities so vehicles coming into

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and leaving our city are routed in such a way as to minimize the disruption to local residents. I would encourage pedestrian and bicycle mobility to all parts of the city and into the downtown district. The city is already working to expand the golf cart connection to meet with Oakland, which will reduce the vehicle traffic into downtown Winter Garden. What are the top challenges you believe the city of Winter Garden faces? What are some potential ways to address them? As the city of Orlando and surrounding areas grow, Winter Garden becomes a very attractive bedroom community to not only live (in) but to visit. With this comes traffic, parking (and) the need to control urban sprawl. Ensuring infrastructure is in place before considering projects for approval will help to control this growth. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Winter Garden would you change immediately? I would: No. 1, clean Lake Apopka; No. 2, replace all aging infrastructure (bury/replace electric cabling, replace water mains, repave roads); and No. 3, design the perfect long-term traffic solution.

ral cent e r a c d n ey ccf@ki Email: ak

WINTER GARDEN

CLERMONT

Age: 54 Family: Husband, Charlie Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, University of South Florida; certified general contractors license Related experience: Coowner and chief financial officer, Empire Finish Systems LLC; president, Property Owners Association of Industrial Center Park @ Britt Plaza; board member, West Orange Chamber of Commerce; Winter Garden resident for more than 20 years; completed West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership West Orange class

DAVENPORT

If you are elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? Balancing our growth with nature. … If elected, I will enforce our standards and not be swayed by special interests. … As commissioner, I will take a deeper look into some of the proposed ideas and challenge them to see how they stand up. Our millage rate is 4.5% — ranking in the 36th percentile — in Orange County, yet we offer more services than nearly every other community. Why should District 2 residents vote for you? I’ve had a long record of doing what’s right, listening to voters and rolling up my sleeves to get things done. You have to look no further than my own neighborhood. In the past 15 months, I have created a 2-acre nature preserve; opened a lake view while protecting our wildlife and native trees; fixed our streets; cleaned our storm drains; addressed speeding; and made the neighborhood safer by fixing our street lights, signs and emergency-access systems for first responders. What are your thoughts on Winter Garden’s approach to managing or accommodating growth within the city? We have turned a dying downtown into a thriving community. I want to see us continue down that path. … While some projects are impressive, I have concerns regarding some of the specifics and the recent decisions. … As someone with years of experiences in agile project management, my approach is to take smaller steps, deliver them sooner, and then adjust to customer needs and market conditions. What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? Certainly adding more garage parking is one solution, something I am in favor of. While not

m a.co d i r o

TING NOW ACCEP

TS NEW PATIEN

Age: 56 Family: Single (but lots of cats) Education: Degree in business management from Florida State College Related Experience: Worked in financial sector for more than 20 years; two-term city commissioner in Pacific, Missouri; veteran of the U.S. Navy; served on Winter Garden Charter Review Committee; served as director of Lake Cove Pointe homeowners’ association

popular, traffic circles do relieve congestion traffic lights can create. The restructuring of the road along Plant and Park will be a benefit, as will the Dillard Street project. What are the top challenges you believe the city of Winter Garden faces? What are some potential ways to address them? Managed growth is our biggest issue. Developers are lobbying to get their hands on the remaining space. … We must stand against those that will sell us out for a quick buck and years of pain. We will need to replace our city manager. Mike Bollhoefer has been an amazing leader with a clear vision who was talking about retirement before COVID. Crime and code enforcement are issues. One way of addressing this is to annex all property within Winter Garden’s city limits. … One element that these criminals use is knowing which houses are in the city and which are still part of the county. Knowing the time it takes for a sheriff’s deputy to respond gives the bad guys an edge. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Winter Garden would you change immediately? I would start work on Plant and Dillard streets. … I would expand the golf cart driving area, continue our extended outside-dining plan and work closely with our local businesses on how we can work together.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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Web of support

“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

AMY QUESINBERRY

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COMMUNITY EDITOR

reat things happen to children when they have Spider-Man blood. At least, that’s what 6-year-old Noah Thompson believes. The pint-sized superhero fan is in the first few weeks of his two-year treatment for leukemia. Nurses have told him he must have the blood of Spider-Man, his favorite character, because he has been so brave during all the tests, blood draws and biopsies he has endured so far. Two months ago, Jeff and Gina Thompson were watching their active kindergartner playing outside and enjoying his trampoline and swing set. During Christmas break, however, they noticed he was pale, bruised and lacking his normal energy. They became even more concerned when he stopped eating and wanted to take frequent naps, and Gina Thompson’s motherly instinct told her something was wrong. A visit to the pediatrician started the Winter Garden family on a journey no family wants to take. After a battery of tests, an emergency trip to the hospital and even more tests — Noah was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jan. 20. Gina Thompson said doctors at AdventHealth for Children are optimistic, because the cancer was discovered early. “He had only 70% cancer (in the bone marrow), and most cases they find 100%,” she said. “His blood had 10 to 20% cancer — leukemia-wise, those are good numbers. But it’s very fast acting, so they had to step on treatment right away. … He had a bone marrow biopsy, spinal tap and a shot of chemo in the spine as a preventative.” Doctors ordered a blood transfusion and three bags of platelets, too. Noah spent nine days in the hospital before returning home. “In the hospital, they say motivation and staying positive — it really helps them thrive through all of this,” Gina Thompson said. “They said he’s one of the bravest kids. They gave him a Spider-Man gown.” Noah likes watching YouTube videos of children playing or eating food, so he started reviewing his food — everything from pasta and burgers to Doritos and brownies — while in the hospital. This helps occupy his time, his mother said. The videos are posted on a Facebook page the Thompsons created to keep friends and family updated. Noah told his nurses he’s Facebook famous. He has to go the hospital’s pediatric outpatient center twice a week, and as long as he doesn’t get a fever and can stay hydrated, he will continue to get treatments on an outpatient basis, Gina Thompson said. “The positive thing is his body isn’t having a reaction,” she said. “He’s receiving two types of chemo; so far so good. He’s had four chemo treatments, and his body has not reacted any different, so his body is accepting the treatment. … It’s a lot for his little body.”

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com

Gina and Jeff Thompson have braced themselves for their son’s two-year cancer battle after Noah was diagnosed Jan. 20. Big sister Ava is ready to help. Not pictured: sister Kayla Rementer.

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Above: Noah Thompson spent 11 days in the hospital following his diagnosis of leukemia.

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Right: Noah Thompson, 6, and his 9-year-old sister, Ava, are best friends.

WAYS TO HELP There are several ways to financially assist the Thompson family as their son fights leukemia. A GoFundMe account has been set up to accept donations. Visit bit.ly/3pGVabs. Silicone “Noah’s Heroes” wristbands are available for $5; shipping is an extra $1.50. The bracelets are orange, the color representing leukemia. Jeff Thompson started an online journal, theamazingnoah.com, which has a link to the purchase page. HARD TO ACCEPT

The family was still reeling from another medical emergency and financial setback that took place almost a year ago. Jeff Thompson suffered a hemorrhagic stroke because of high blood pressure last February; he spent three days on a ventilator and one month in the hospital. This, coupled with the pandemic, caused the couple to lose their longtime hot-air balloon business. He is still recovering and has not been able to work. The family does have health insurance. “We thought 2021 would be the year we get back what we lost, and then the most devastating news hit us with Noah,” the Thompsons wrote on their GoFundMe fundraising page. “It’s been a rough ride,” Gina Thompson said. “It’s hard to

accept. … We’re coming up on his one-year anniversary. And to get this news, you know, your child, it hit hard. … It’s tough to watch.” Noah has two older sisters, Kayla Rementer, 21, and Ava Thompson, who is 9 and on the autism spectrum. The two youngest are best friends, Gina Thompson said, and this adjustment has been hard on Ava. “I don’t think she understands,” she said. “We bought her a book, ‘How to Care for a Very Sick Bear.’ It helps her understand, and I had her read it to Noah. I think her biggest adjustment is he doesn’t play anymore. All he does is (lie) around. … They were inseparable and played together all the time.” To help Ava feel involved, she takes her brother’s temperature and makes sure he has plenty to drink. A child life specialist at the hospital has been beneficial, giving Gina Thompson tips for helping Ava. “I try to tell her it’s a really sick disease,” she said. “He’s doing well, and the treatment seems to be doing well … but if he’s not feeling well, we have to let him rest. I don’t think she understands how severe it is. But we include her with everything.” Both children attend Water Spring Elementary School but are learning virtually, which will be helpful in Noah’s situation, because of ongoing medical appointments and hospital visits. Although chemotherapy is exhausting, it hasn’t changed Noah’s personality one bit. “He’s the most loving, kind

little boy you’ll ever meet,” Gina Thompson said. “He’s friendly, very social, he always makes sure the other person’s happy. It doesn’t matter if he knows you or not. If he sees a little child crying, he wants to know why and wants to make a face to make them laugh. “Even in the hospital, when he was eating the cookie — I said, ‘That smells so good.’ He said, ‘Here, do you want it?’ He was offering me the cookie he was eating. … That’s the type of person he is.” An online support system helps the Thompsons feel as though they are not alone, and it has been good to connect with parents whose children are going through the same fight. “We’re trying to handle it the best we can,” Gina Thompson said. “We’re taking it one day at a time.” The family has shared frequent updates on its GoFundMe page. “Noah has a long journey ahead of him, and his little body will be put through a lot,” the Thompsons wrote. “He’s a strong little boy, and his spirits remain positive. “Our hearts are literally broken knowing what Noah is going to have to go through to fight this disease,” they wrote. “This will be a very intense and emotional journey, and we know our son is strong and a fighter.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

City of Ocoee, firefighters union face challenging negotiations TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Ongoing contract negotiations and turnover at the Ocoee Fire Department have some worried that the city will be unable to keep quality firefighters. Residents Chris Adkins and Brad Lomneck broached the subject during the Feb. 2 Ocoee City Commission meeting. “We have to have a grave concern if we’re starting to have a lot of turnover — especially in our first responders,” Adkins said during the meeting. “I know there has been some stuff online and so on and so forth in regards to salaries and this and that, but I’m not here about that. What I’m here about is my concern that we cannot retain quality firefighters in the city of Ocoee. “When you hire an employee and they don’t stay for very long, the cost to the city taxpayer, the cost to the department is substantial,” he said. “We have got to start to heal this.” The “stuff online” Adkins was referring to is information published on Facebook by an account called Ocoee Firefighters. It is run by Allen Savoie — president of the Ocoee Professional Firefighters Local 3623 union. Savoie is a former Ocoee firefighter who said he had been terminated on the same day he became union president, claiming that he had been terminated without cause.

In those posts, Savoie has pointed to the number of firefighters who have left the department recently as a failure by the city to retain first responders, he said. “It’s really a safety concern,” Savoie said. “You can see our recent post, and it’s like 37%. (The department has) lost almost 20 guys in the last two years. … That should get anybody’s attention. Now, the turnover rate has been because of the pay and the benefits and they’re just not where they should be — the turnover rate says that alone regardless of who is looking at the numbers.” During last week’s commission meeting, Mayor Rusty Johnson and City Manager Robert Frank hit on a few different points, including the differences between Ocoee and its larger cohorts. Frank also noted the turnover rate was normal in the fire department and said that often those who apply for Ocoee apply to others — Orange County and Orlando — as well. “We want to keep all salaries fair, and we want to keep them competitive; no matter what we do, they’re going to leave here when they get a job offer from Orange County or Orlando,” Frank said during the meeting. “It’s happened for the entire 17 years that I’ve been here, and it’s just going to happen.” Adkins asked commissioners if they believed the city was experiencing a “mass exodus.” Johnson disagreed.

“First of all, I don’t think we’re having a mass exodus,” Johnson said during the meeting. “You can say what you want; a lot of people leave here to go to other jobs all the time — they go into a job that pays more money. I had one of the firefighters tell me one time, ‘When you go to Orange County, you’re going to find you have a whole different wagon to do there — you’re going to be out running all day and all not.’ We don’t have the runs they have.” The biggest issue, from what has been discussed, largely revolves around pay and benefits. Currently, the base salary for a firefighter in Ocoee is around $40,000, compared to $48,000 in the city of Orlando, and around $46,000 in Orange County. That salary includes a 9% raise they received last month, Frank said. However, Savoie said it was actually a 3% raise for each of the last three years. Because firefighters are unionized, the union and the city have to agree to a three-year contract to establish all of the specifics. Frank said city and union currently are in negotiations. The previous contract expired in October, and the firefighters are operating under that expired contract. So far, the negotiation for the contract through 2023 have been difficult, Savoie said. “We had a sit-down meeting with them on Thursday, and the city had no proposal for us,” Savoie

said. “They asked us … ‘What is it that you want?’ Of course they know what the problem is, we tell them. They said, ‘OK, we’ll get back to you,’ and that’s it.” Savoie said in addition to salaries, another concern is the required paramedic training and license, which requires firefighters to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket. During the meeting, Adkins said there were a handful who did not currently have it and that it would behoove the city to look into a plan to help cover the costs in exchange for a firefighter agreeing to stick around for a specific amount of time. Frank said if the firefighters wanted to bring that forward, they could talk about it, but it had not been brought to the table yet. But according to Savoie, the union has asked for that very thing — saying the city could take money out of its training budget to send people to school without the union’s consent. Negotiations will continue into the future, and the hope is the contract will be settled soon, Savoie said. “The morale is down because it is a mass exodus,” he said. “A guy just quit today — just put his resignation in. His dad has been an Ocoee police officer for several years and (he) and his brother grew up in the city, and he wanted to be a firefighter. He can’t make it — he can’t take care of wife and his new baby on $13.70 an hour. … It’s sad.”

“First of all, I don’t think we’re having a mass exodus. You can say what you want, a lot of people leave here to go to other jobs all the time — they go into a job that pays more money.” — Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson

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ELECTION: MEET THE CANDIDATES

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

WINTER GARDEN COMMISSION DISTRICT 3 MARK MACIEL

ROBERT “BOBBY O” OLSZEWSKI

Why do you want to serve as District 3 commissioner? When I retired from the Air Force Reserves, I felt a need to continue to serve. … Serving District 3 has been an honor. Like the military, government is filled with people that simply want to serve their fellow citizens. I love being a part of that. In these trying times, it’s good to part of something positive. ... It’s my goal to keep citizens first.

Why do you want to serve as District 3 commissioner? I am ... running for Winter Garden Commission because of my passion for service in my hometown community. Winter Garden enjoys an incredible reputation, but we are seeing development encroach on our quality of life. We improve on this quality with preservation of our natural resources by listening to residents and not developers in managing our growth.

If you are re-elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? Maintaining the current trajectory, without over-commercialization, is job No. 1. … There are several projects I would like to see come to fruition. Tucker Ranch Eco Park will be a benchmark for open-space projects in the entire state. ... East Winter Garden is a special passion of mine. … Finally, I want to be sure I do everything possible to support our citizens and businesses during this pandemic. Why should District 3 residents vote for you? My background as a businessman, military strategist, and years on the Planning & Zoning Board give me a unique perspective in city government. I want the residents to know that my No. 1 job is to be the voice of our district. What are your thoughts on Winter Garden’s approach to managing or accommodating growth within the city? I have never seen a staff that is more particular about the type of development that comes into our city. As commissioner, I have fought against highdensity projects that were inappropriate to their surrounding neighbors. I’ve also voted for stricter building standards.

Age: 55 Family: Married, three children Education: University of Rhode Island Related experience: Incumbent; 33-year veteran of the military as a security forces and antiterrorism officer; real estate professional; eight years, Winter Garden Planning & Zoning Board

What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? Target areas are the Plant Street to the 429 corridor to support commercial expansion in that area. Bicycle/pedestrian travel from the south to downtown is part of our future multi-model plans. An additional parking garage downtown will be needed eventually and will be carefully considered. The Dillard Street gateway project will break ground this spring. There are numerous traffic improvements that have been discussed and placed in the city’s strategic plan. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Winter Garden would you change immediately? No. 1 would be the poverty and homelessness we see in some areas of our city. The pandemic made this crack in our society even bigger and more visible. We were on our way to some exciting improvements in east Winter Garden when the pandemic hit.

If you are elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? I will ethically manage the city’s budget and future growth by focusing on maintaining a sense of community in making development decisions that put residents in charge and not the developers and special interests. … I will continue to promote Winter Garden as a viable solution for businesses to thrive well into the future by always looking at the long-term impact for our residents first and foremost. Why should District 3 residents vote for you? Our residents deserve ethical leadership in all matters related to all of our city’s communities. ... My record is rooted in dedication to the residents through ethical service to our community through smart, managed, community-principled and resident-centered growth. What are your thoughts on Winter Garden’s approach to managing or accommodating growth within the city? Our community will not solve its problems counting on government, but instead from the innovation and ingenuity of its own local private busi-

Age: 43 Family: Wife, Allison, and 4-year-old daughter, Reagan Education: Dr. Phillips High School; University of Central Florida; master’s degree, Rollins College; master’s degree, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Ph.D., Northcentral University Experience: Former Winter Garden commissioner for District 3; former state representative in the Florida House of Representatives; chair of the Orange County Community Action Board; managing principal of Emerson Management and Consulting Group Inc.

nesses and residents by demanding accountability. ... I will foster a positive culture on our Winter Garden commission to make sure you are the top priority while engaging all residents and the communities in the decisions that affect our well-being. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Winter Garden would you change immediately? The first issue would be the complete revitalization of the east Winter Garden community ... I would increase diversity and equitable representation with the involvement on our volunteer boards and city operations. ... I would create official city of Winter Garden social media accounts on multiple ... platforms to promote our entire city.

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OBSERVER

ELECTION: MEET THE CANDIDATES

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

WINTER GARDEN COMMISSION DISTRICT 4 DAWN ANTONIS

COLIN SHARMAN

Why do you want to serve as District 4 commissioner? I am running because I love this (city), and I want to help make our (city) of Winter Garden a better, safer and healthier community for everyone.

Why do you want to serve as District 4 commissioner? I have a passion for the city, and I am proud of all the work I have done to make it ranked as one of the top 10 cities to live in (according to money.com).

If you are elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? I plan to ensure we are engaging in smart growth and that we carefully balance our growth with protecting the environment. We want Winter Garden to maintain its natural beauty, because that is part of why people come here. Why should District 4 residents vote for you? I live in this town, and I love it here. I want to be the voice of the community and ensure that the entire community is better served. While I have a lot of ideas, I think it’s important to stop and listen to what the people want and need. What are your thoughts on Winter Garden’s approach to managing or accommodating growth within the city? I think the city has done a pretty good job, but I remain concerned that they will continue to approve growth that might have negative impacts on the town. I plan to do a review of the processes that the city uses to evaluate the decisions that are being made to ensure that we are consistently asking the right questions to make the best possible choices for the (city).

Age: 55 Family: Married with three children Education: Bachelor’s degree, Fairleigh Dickinson University; master’s degree, University of the Rockies Related experience: I have broad experience in identifying the problem, identifying the best solution and then implementing that solution. I get things done. Also, I have a lot of experience in creating an ethical work environment, and general compliance with laws and regulations.

optimizing road logistics and routes, additional parking if necessary, and also explore public transit options that can help tremendously. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Winter Garden would you change immediately? Most people would join me in saying the traffic! But honestly, the three would be: No. 1, traffic; No. 2, more arts and cultural events; and No. 3, strong business development while maintaining the integrity of the (city) and preventing chains from shutting down our local business owners.

Why should District 4 residents vote for you? If they love what Winter Garden has done over the past 15 years to make it what it the great city it is today, they should vote to keep my vision for the city moving forward. What are your thoughts on Winter Garden’s approach to managing or accommodating growth within the city? It has been because of all the strategic planning and smart development that we have methodically planned that has made Winter Garden the cultural and economic hub of West Orange. What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? Working with the expressway authority to add the new interchange of the 429 onto Stoneybrook (West) Parkway was a proud accomplishment. We also added a roundabout at Stoneybrook (West) Parkway and Roberson (Road) that had amazing results by replacing the traffic light. We need to add the planned roundabouts on Dillard Street. We are also working on other intersec-

Age: 44 Family: Wife, Cyndi; adult sons, Brandon and Austin Education: Osceola High School; two years in Valencia College’s electrical engineering program; HVAC air-conditioning apprenticeship program, Local 803 Related experience: Incumbent since 2006; former Winter Garden Planning & Zoning board member; past board director, Florida League of Cities; certified mechanical contractor; former instructor at Orange County Public Schools; Roper YMCA Indian Guides; formerly on Building Owners and Managers Association legislative committee; Florida Health Care Association; AdventHealth Winter Garden Advisory Council; account manager, Trane US Inc.

tion improvements (and) retiming of the traffic light at Marsh and Avalon (roads). If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Winter Garden would you change immediately? No. 1, adding (a) second fire station in District 4. With the expansion of new homes in Winter Garden in the Marsh Road area, we need another fire station to reduce response times to medical emergencies and fires. ... No. 2, additional parking for residents and visiting guests downtown. ... No. 3, State Road 50 corridor improvements.

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What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? We have to assess how the volume is impacting traffic. Once we have that data, I will explore options such as

If you are re-elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? Keep Winter Garden’s small-town charm and feel; smart redevelopment of blighted areas on State Road 50 and Dillard Street; (and) complete the vision in the Master Parks Plan.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Locals launch new grief-support group A Windermere resident and Orlando resident joined forces to start a local chapter of GRASP, a support group for those who lost a loved one to addiction or overdose. BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FoundationWorship.com Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee (407) 656-3097 Sunday: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 p.m. www.VBCOCOEE.com

CHURCH OF GOD

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

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., 7 p.m. ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: Livestreaming Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on Facebook and Youtube

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Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 p.m. Saturday Service: 6 p.m. purposechurchorlando.org

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Living through a pandemic is one thing, but there is another ongoing epidemic fueled by COVID-19. According to Project Opioid — an organization created in 2018 in response to the nation’s opioid epidemic — the coronavirus pandemic “has created the greatest mental health, substance abuse and overdose crisis across Florida and nationwide in U.S. history.” As mothers who both have lost daughters to opioid overdose, Diane Stevenson and Donna Mina had to act. That’s why they launched the first Central Florida-area chapter of Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing — widely known as GRASP. “It’s basically a group that was founded with the idea that grieving for any loss is difficult, but specifically the loss of someone to substance is a different type of grieving,” Mina said. “It’s just different, because of the feelings that come along with someone dying of an overdose or substance passing. You really don’t have control at all, but you feel like you might have. It’s a lot of guilt and a lot of, ‘What ifs.’ GRASP is really nice, because you get together with people that are going through the same kind of emotions. You share coping techniques and experiences, and you feel like you’re not alone.” It’s been six years since Stevenson, a Windermere resident, lost her daughter, Tylar-Ann. For Mina, an Orlando resident, it’s been two years since losing her daughter, Anna. For Stevenson, she has felt the need to do something to advocate and educate others on opioid abuse in memory of her daughter. After Tylar-Ann’s death, Stevenson and her husband first attended some meetings of The Compassionate Friends, another organization that provides grief support. They were a lifesaver. At the time, she said, there weren’t many parents coming in who also had lost children to opioid overdose. That began to change as the crisis grew. “For me, I think it was just having more of a connection with those parents that could share the same stories, because all of our stories are very similar,” Stevenson said. “It just gives us a purpose really to get out there and help people spread those thoughts and not be judged on what their loved ones passed from. … I also get the help from them, as well, and healing. It’s kind of a two-way street there, I think, when you go to advocate and want to start something like this.” When Mina and Stevenson met and found out about GRASP, they knew they wanted to start a local chapter as co-facilitators. Even though they continue to grieve, they want to open up to others and help them along in their processes of grief and healing. In February 2020, Mina launched the Central Florida chapter. Stevenson joined in, and

GRASP CENTRAL FLORIDA International organization Grief Recovery After Substance Passing was created to offer understanding, compassion and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and overdose. Diane Stevenson and Donna Mina lead the Central Florida chapter. Pre-registration is required for new attendees, who must contact chapter facilitators to register. For more information on the GRASP Central Florida chapter and to contact Mina and Stevenson, visit grasphelp.org/maitlandchapter. GRASP: grasphelp.org Project Opioid: projectopioid.org

the two women are on a mission to help others in their grieving. “Part of coping with my grief is to help others,” Mina said. “I like to take an active role in doing something, so having the Central Florida chapter has helped me. You have to sometimes put your grief on back burner, but at the same time, it kind of helps with the healing process, because you feel like you’re doing something and that person’s death is not in vain. “We also do advocacy and want to advocate in the community for prevention,” she said. “There’s a lot of power in being able to share the same type of grief because you understand where each other is coming from.” At GRASP meetings, participants who have lost someone they love to addiction or overdose will find a loving environment in which they are offered understanding, compassion and support. No one walks their journey of grief alone, and the goal is to help them begin to heal. The chapter is growing, but so is the opioid crisis. According to Project Opioid, as of 2019, about 68,000 people in Central Florida suffer from opioid use disorder, including the use of heroin. The effects of the pandemic and quarantine have been a big contributor, according to more statistics from the Florida Department of Health. Overdose deaths in Florida are up nearly 50% during the pandemic since the same time in 2019, with more than 3,606 deaths from March to August 2020. That’s why Mina and Stevenson hope to spread the word to those who have lost loved ones to addiction or overdose, letting them know there is a place they can find hope and healing. “Even during the ‘worst’ time that (the Central Florida chapter) could’ve been started, we’re growing,” Mina said. “But with the increase in overdose deaths, it really was kind of the perfect time to be there for people.”

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Chaine du Lac estate sells for $2.65 million A

home in the Chaine

Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 1, for $300,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,636 square feet. The price per square foot is $183.37. Days on market: 26.

du Lac community

in Windermere topped all West Orange-area

SUMMERLAKE

residential real-estate

The home at 15251 Night Heron Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 1, for $405,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,683 square feet. The price per square foot is $150.95. Days on market: 113.

transactions from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4. The home at 12516 Park Ave., Windermere, sold

WATERLEIGH

Feb. 2, for $2.65 million. Built in 1997, it has six bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths, a pool and 8,172 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $324.28. Days on market: 107. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

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The home at 12516 Park Ave., Windermere, sold Feb. 2, for $2.65 million. This Akers custom home is situated on a cove of Lake Butler. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4.

HORIZON WEST ASHLIN PARK

The home at 11530 Ashlin Park Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 1, for $450,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,326 square feet. The price per square foot is $193.47. Days on market: One. HAMLIN RESERVE

The home at 15333 Honeybell Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 2, for $590,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,073 square feet. The price per square foot is $191.99. Days on market: Three. HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15883 Citrus Grove Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb.

1, for $368,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet. The price per square foot is $197.85. Days on market: 53. HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15496 Sweet Orange Ave., Winter Garden, sold Jan. 4, for $507,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,200 square feet. The price per square foot is $158.44. Days on market: 19. ISLES OF LAKE HANCOCK

The home at 7848 Freestyle Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 2, for $670,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,364 square feet. The price

per square foot is $199.17. Days on market: Four. LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The home at 11606 Brickyard Pond Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 4, for $586,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,413 square feet. The price per square foot is $171.70. Days on market: 10. OVERLOOK 2 AT HAMLIN

The home at 5509 Bowman Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 1, for $348,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,868 square feet. The price per square foot is $186.30. Days on market: Two. STOREY GROVE

The townhouse at 14095 Title

The home at 9572 Waterway Passage Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 4, for $485,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,840 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.77. Days on market: 95. WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 14395 Black Quill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 1, for $550,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,782 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $197.70. Days on market: 22.

OAKLAND

HULL ISLAND AT OAKLAND

The home at 1088 Hull Island Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 31, for $690,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,815 square feet. The price per square foot is $245.12. Days on market: 74.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

OCOEE

ADMIRAL POINTE

The home at 1056 Coastal Circle sold Feb. 1, for $350,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,094 square feet. The price per square foot is $113.12. Days on market: 26.

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BROOKHAVEN OAKS

The home at 2352 Blackjack Oak St., Ocoee, sold Feb. 1, for $394,500. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,582 square feet. The price per square foot is $152.79. Days on market: One. BRYNMAR

The home at 3496 Meadow Breeze Loop, Ocoee, sold Jan. 29, for $322,500. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,965 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.12. Days on market: Five. CROSS CREEK

The home at 7848 Freestyle Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 2, for $670,000. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4.

SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 51 High Sale Price: $2.65 million Low Sale Price: $125,000 SILVER GLEN

The home at 1353 Vickers Lake Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 3, for $400,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,326 square feet. The price per square foot is $120.26. Days on market: Four. The home at 1253 Vickers Lake Drive, Ocoee, sold Jan. 29, for $315,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,664 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.30. Days on market: 33. VILLAGES OF WESMERE

The home at 197 Chickasaw Berry Road, Ocoee, sold Jan. 29, for $380,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,131 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.32. Days on market: Four.

The home at 254 Bridge Creek Blvd., Ocoee, sold Feb. 3, for $375,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,565 square feet. The price per square foot is $146.20. Days on market: 10.

WESMERE HAMPTON WOODS

HUNTINGTON POINTE

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 3381 Fawnwood Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 4, for $390,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,460 square feet. The price per square foot is $112.72. Days on market: 10. KENSINGTON MANOR

The home at 1798 Palmerston Circle, Ocoee, sold Feb. 3, for $350,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,682 square feet. The price per square foot is $130.50. Days on market: Six.

The home at 723 Buckhaven Loop, Ocoee, sold Jan. 29, for $337,500. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet. The price per square foot is $201.85. Days on market: 46. The home at 3213 Kentshire Blvd. sold Jan. 29, for $468,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,202 square feet. The price per square foot is $146.16. Days on market: 115.

WINDERMERE BUTLER BAY

The home at 2844 Marquesas Court, Windermere, sold Jan. 30, for $1,615,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,663 square feet. The price per square foot is $346.34. Days on market: 41.

KEENE’S POINTE

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The home at 11221 Macaw Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 1, for $1,110,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,519 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $245.63. Days on market: 92. The home at 11602 Claymont Circle, Windermere, sold Feb. 1, for $642,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,159 square feet. The price per square foot is $203.23. Days on market: 42.

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The home at 11331 Fenimore Court, Windermere, sold Jan. 30, for $550,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,551 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $215.60. Days on market: 65.

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The home at 2821 Williams Road, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 1, for $583,000. Built in 1973, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,722 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $214.18. Days on market: Six.

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The home at 920 Tilden Oaks Trail, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 4, for $489,590. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,409 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $203.23. Days on market: 60. SANCTUARY AT TWIN WATERS

The home at 16696 Sanctuary Drive, Winter Garden, sold Jan. 31, for $806,160. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,070 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $198.07. Days on market: 53.

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The home at 2921 Black Birch Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 1, for $307,485. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,444 square feet. The price per square foot is $212.94. Days on market: 16.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Foundation for OCPS seeks talented students The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools is accepting applications for its annual Top Talent event through Feb. 19. The event will take place in a virtual format Friday, May 7. It will feature finalists in both performance and visual art. The guidelines for performing artists are as follows: Performers: The maximum number of individuals per act cannot exceed 10. Auditions: Only YouTube link videos will be accepted. Link must be between two and three-and-one-half minutes long. Mark video as “public view.” Required waivers and a high-resolution photo must be submitted by Feb. 19. Main event: Finalists will be required to film his or her performance April 9 to 11. The music, performance, attire and performers must be the same at the final event as was presented on the YouTube audition. Any background music must be submitted upon notification of being a finalist. The guidelines for visual artists are as follows: Theme: “Best Of” Submissions: Teachers must submit the application on behalf of the student and submit artwork by Feb. 19. Submit a work of art that best represents you as an artist; 2D and 3D works of art are welcome. Consider your audience when submitting artwork. Finalists: Finalists will be interviewed on your artwork; that recording will be aired during the virtual “live” event May 7. Finalists must be available for filming an interview Sunday, April 11. To download and submit required waivers and forms, visit foundationforocps.org. For more information, call (407) 317-3261 or email to toptalent@ ocps.net.

KURTIS POE, OCOEE ELEMENTARY Kurtis Poe is a paraprofessional for the Physical Education Department at Ocoee Elementary School, where he works with the P.E. teacher to help plan and run the classes for kindergarten through fifth grade. He has contact with every student on the campus three to five days a week, has a robust personality and is a dedicated and hard worker. He also helps with arrival and dismissal, getting students off the bus in the morning and into the vehicles in the afternoon.

What brought you to your school? I started off at Kelly Services, and one day I filled in at Ocoee. I really liked the atmosphere, and they just so happened to be looking for someone, so I joined! What do you love most about your school? We have a great group of students that comes through our school, and we have a strong special-area team that works together well. What is your motivation? Making sure the students have a great day and learn something new each day. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Watching the students’ progress from kindergarten to fifth grade and seeing how much they have grown over the years.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Watching the Florida Gators in both basketball and football, and taking on little handyman tasks around the house.

What are your hobbies? Fishing, golfing, watching the Gators and doing house projects.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher was Ms. If you could have any superMathews, my third-grade power, what would it be and teacher, because she was a great why? motivator and made my learnI think I would like to have ing day fun. telepathy, so I can read people’s minds and understand people When you were a child, what better to be able to help a little did you want to be when you more. grew up? Why? Growing up, in middle and high If you could only listen to three school, I wanted to be a marine bands or artists for the rest of biologist, because I enjoyed your life, what would they be spending time on the water and and why? wanted to make that my career. I am not too picky, but I nor mally will listen to whatever What is your favorite chilcountry or top hits song come dren’s book and why? on the radio. I enjoy George “The Cat in the Hat” is a classic, Strait, but I am not too particuand it’s the one I always go to. lar.

REPORT CARD POSITION: P.E. paraprofessional TIME AT SCHOOL: Seven years

— AMY QUESINBERRY

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

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

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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Quarantined & kooky The Panthers performed ‘The Addams Family: Quarantined Concert Version’ Feb. 5 and 6 via livestream. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Courtesy Jason Whitehead

Dr. Phillips High theater students recently performed ‘The Addams Family: Quarantined Concert Version.’

antined Concert Version” is a silly, lighthearted show meant to entertain the audience and make them laugh during this time. What’s more, the school’s TV/film magnet students also were involved to film the performance. It was prerecorded, so those involved also got the chance to watch the show at home with their families. “We certainly miss the immediacy of having a live audience — it’s such a different experience — but I think right now for

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They’re mysterious and spooky — and, more than anything, they’re just happy to be back on stage. Students in Dr. Phillips High School’s theater magnet program were able to perform “The Addams Family: Quarantined Concert Version” — their first show in a year — on Feb. 5 and 6. The performances were livestreamed, and no live audiences were permitted, but for everyone involved, the chance to get back into doing what they love is a gift. In a non-COVID-19 era, Theater Director Jason Whitehead already would have had next season’s shows planned and usage rights secured. However, he said, the biggest challenge is finding a show that allows virtual streaming. “The writers for a lot of shows have quickly adapted their properties to make them palatable in this socially distanced, quaran-

tined world we live in right now,” Whitehead said. “In the fall, we didn’t know what was available and what (Orange County Public Schools) would allow, and then they started releasing their updated protocols for performances in a COVID world. Then you had to go back to the licensing houses and see, ‘Well, what’s available to be digitally performed?’” Once Whitehead stumbled upon the “quarantine concert” version of “The Addams Family,” he knew both the students and virtual audience would love it. The script is written so the characters must be separated, which helped him with blocking. There still were numerous safety protocols he and his students had to follow, such as constant physical awareness of one another and hand sanitizing during rehearsals. “Our students on the crew and the shop — we have a new closing wipe-down cleaning procedure that we’ve had to add to our normal daily routine, making sure every drill and tool gets wiped down with a Clorox wipe or sprayed down with a disinfectant spray,” he said. “The fortunate thing is … they understand we’ve been given a gift being able to do it, so they don’t want to risk it.” “The Addams Family: Quar-

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the safety of the students as well as the patrons, the wisest choice was to not involve a live audience yet,” Whitehead said. “It’s our hope that as the year goes on, we can bring back live audiences.” There are three more performances coming up for the theater program this season, and all will be livestreamed, as well. Those interested should follow the theater program on Facebook and Instagram for more information on upcoming shows and streaming dates.

DR. PHILLIPS HIGH THEATER FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ Dr.PhillipsHighSchoolTheatre INSTAGRAM: @dphstheatre

“(The students) were just so eager to have their hands on art again and to be in a familiar process, even though the rules are different right now,” he said.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY FEB. 14, 1974 It was a big deal in Winter Garden when the Food World chain joined other grocery stores in the city in 1974. The newest one opened in the Tri-City Shopping Center, in the space currently occupied by Big Lots. Food World advertised special prices in the Feb. 14, 1974, issue of The Winter Garden Times to entice new shoppers to check out the latest competition in West Orange County.

85 years ago

The Heirloom Silver Tea, sponsored by the Young Matrons Missionary Society, held at the First Methodist Church of Winter Garden, cleared about $11. Proceeds will help pay for new carpets at the church.

55 years ago

The Windermere Town Council discussed the dangerous intersection of Maguire Road and State Road 50. Council members took action to have a traffic light installed at this corner, which has been the scene of many accidents.

50 years ago

Rod Reeves took his sketchbook and pencil to the orange groves on a freezing night and recorded some typical scenes of local people firing up the smudge pots. They were kept burning all night, filling the sky with a red glow and, in the morning, a black haze. A victory celebration was held at Bay Hill Country Club in honor of Arnold Palmer winning the Bob Hope Desert Classic.

40 years ago

The West Orange Christian Service Center officially opened its doors as a satellite of the CSC of Central Florida. It had operated independently since 1974 and continued to be located in the railroad depot on Plant Street in Winter Garden. Newly appointed Winter Gar-

CROSSWORD

FROM THE ARCHIVES This aerial shot of Traywick’s Garage, located near the south end of Vineland Road in Winter Garden, reveals quite a different landscape in this photograph taken around 1960. The area surrounding the business today is heavily developed. State Road 50 (West Colonial Drive) at upper right is a shadow of its future self. Traywick’s Garage is still in business. Can anyone identify the other structures in the photo? If so, contact the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation at (407) 656-3244.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

den Police Chief Jimmie Yawn said his main goal was to reduce the number of burglaries.

30 years ago

About 1,100 Lakeview Middle School students showed their

ACROSS 1 Word before “tie” or “line” 4 Softball glove 8 Agent Gibbs’ TV show 12 Wares, briefly 17 2-D measurement 19 Where Honolulu is 20 Valued at 21 Conscious 22 *Australian government building 25 Happen again 26 Hit with a water gun 27 In back of 28 Long-billed birds 30 Sweetie

31 Transit map line 32 Hack (off) 33 That doe 35 *Type of game that involves toying with something 39 *Spar with no opponent 42 Part of UAE 43 Neighbor of Minn. and N.Y. 44 Noted Roman censor 46 Negative answer to your own question 47 *”Transformers” actress 50 *Vehicle with a star 52 Spiritual leader? 53 ___ Lingus 54 Monarch wrapped in silk?

55 Pool temperature tester 56 Hoppy beer, for short 59 Ethiopian Verdi princess 61 Drops the ball 62 Disorderly crowd 63 Wait to publicize 65 *Discount store chain 68 *It includes an automobile’s engine 70 Surname hidden in “farewells” 71 With it 72 Minnesota has one with over 520 stores 73 Shrunken Asian sea 74 Director Anderson

98 Olympic code for Quito’s country 99 According to 100 Live TV option 101 “... blessing ___ curse?” 102 2020 Morgan Stanley acquisition 104 Absorbed 105 Coin’s shape, often 109 Enjoyed thoroughly 110 Sam’s book, and a hint to the starred answers’ ends 113 Girder lifter 114 Deposes 115 Clue room 116 18-wheeler 117 Tenth president 118 Tennis barriers 119 General ___ chicken 120 What whole milk has

Ocoee held a march to show support for Operation Desert Storm troops. Operation Ocoee also sent 400 pounds of goods to troops.

40 Largely nocturnal bird 41 A treaty might end one 45 “One ___ time” 48 Tennis star Rafael 49 Phobia 50 Undiluted 51 Brain portion 54 ___ book (ACT study aid) 56 Lingua di Roma 57 Taro paste 58 “Bel Canto” author Patchett 60 Under the weather 61 Country north of Ethiopia 62 Digging garden pest 63 Fancy violin, briefly 64 Plan with a SEP variety 65 Morning drops 66 Are in debt 67 You, years ago 68 Playground’s place 69 Shankar who is Norah DOWN Jones’ father 1 Hits with a ray gun 2 Middle Eastern country next 72 Long running events? 75 Produced, like a show to 23-Down 76 Forbid 3 Lima’s country 4 Surrounded by water, as a 77 Latin number after septem 79 Wilson or Moreno castle 5 “Therefore ___” (Billie Eilish 80 Massage target 81 Classic ISP hit) 82 Sticky sheet 6 Yankees’ borough 83 Once-popular pesticide 7 Avoid being distracted by 84 Provided that 8 “... said ___ ever” 85 Jason of “All the Presi9 Gross stuff dent’s Men” 10 “___ anyone’s guess” 86 Lincoln’s nickname 11 Young woman, in Aussie 87 “Good effort!” slang 88 Like some muscles that 12 Butterfly, in Spanish squats work 13 Lamb raisers 75 All ready 90 Take great pleasure (in) 14 Elapses quickly 76 Uncovered 93 Willamette River’s state 15 Have a thing for 77 Fallopian tube travelers 95 Increase in fares 16 That doe 78 Get under the skin of 18 Chinese e-commerce giant 96 Song parts for singers 81 *When vampires come 97 “___ Brockovich” 20 Foamy wave crests out 100 Donne and Bradstreet 84 Precipitation that dam- 23 See 2-Down 103 Character in old Norse 24 Consequently ages statues mythology? 29 Upper part of a dress 86 Luanda’s nation 104 Assessment 34 Prefix with “skeleton” 89 Ferber who wrote “So 106 Cook-off competitor 35 Showed up Big” and “Giant” 107 Tibetan teacher 36 Greek god in a helmet 90 Summer hrs. 108 Send out 37 Events held after declut91 Not fooled by 109 Perform in a play tering 92 *Kid’s father 111 Feel remorse for 94 *Longtime sitcom set on 38 Tie to a pier, say 112 Cal Poly campus, briefly 39 Cellos’ section (Abbr.) a cruise ship

I WOULD NOT EAT THEM ... by Victor Barocas; Edited by David Steinberg

support for the U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia by forming “USA” on the school grounds. Principal Mike Blasewitz said the students came up with the idea. Several had relatives serving in Operation Desert Storm.

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

“ZC ITOHZO ECROZAKJV OGIODZKCJHY, LCFT RKJXEOZ RFEZ PO TOYOJZYOEEYL UCIFEOX CJ ZAO ERHYYOEZ XOZHKY.” – VKCTVKC HTRHJK

“YX BJELAYHZ TGE THZ AOW EHWEH AV ELXMH ... YX PAGM UE LA THMD OAYHW CHBAYH LTH CHEL SHZEUAW AV LTHYEHMSHE.”

– LAY VAZK Puzzle Two Clue: P equals G

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue G equals X

SUDOKU

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

02-11-21

FEBRUARY 11, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

The West Orange High wrestling team had a successful outing at the 2021 Metro Conference Wrestling Championship Saturday, Feb. 6. The Warriors were led by a first-place finish for Conner Smith in the 136-pound weight class, while Robby Creager (106 pounds), DJ Perez (113 pounds) and Mikey Nepywoda (145 pounds) each took home second-place finishes. Meanwhile, Alex Ames (126 pounds) and Jakari White (220 pounds) both finished in third, as Logan Turner (152 pounds) and Adam Abaquda (165 pounds) both finished in fourth place.

Windermere senior Kanye Jones recently scored his 1,000th point of his high school career. Page 16.

GIRLS BASKETBALL DISTRICT ROUNDUP

Three area teams claim district crowns Foundation, West Orange High and Windermere High programs head into postseason play with momentum. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

With fewer than five minutes to go in its Class 2A, District 10 title game against CFCA Friday, Feb. 5, the Foundation Academy girls basketball team was down 38-27. The 11-point deficit was the largest of the night, and the Lions were

on the ropes. They weren’t out by any means, but time was running out. Then came a timeout, and a moment for Lions head coach Krystal Thomas-Smith to get her girls composed. “I’ve seen this team come back Troy Herring

SEE DISTRICT PAGE 16

Foundation’s Zoe Sedo is hoisted into the air after winning the district title.

Paul Solomon was honored this past year for his 13 years as the football chain crew boss at Ocoee High School. Solomon held the position at the school from 2005 to 2018.

CFCA junior Jamar Houston had a solid outing in the Eagles’ 70-55 win over Santa Fe Catholic in boys basketball action Thursday, Feb. 4. In the win, Houston led the way for CFCA (17-7) with 18 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Antonio Redding tacked on 15 points, while teammate Ta’Veon Jones added 11 points and six assists.

In Foundation Academy boys basketball’s 62-55 win over Geneva Thursday, Feb. 4, freshman small forward Jacob Crain went off for 18 points and five rebounds for the Lions (10-9). Teammate Braden Holcomb added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Tia Wynn scored West Orange girls soccer team’s game-winning goal — from midfield — in the Warriors’ 1-0 win over Windermere in double OT in the Class 7A, District 5 semifinal Thursday, Feb. 4.

Troy Herring

Longtime West Orange baseball coach Bill Chambers has made it back to the Warriors’ dugout as an assistant on the team.

Just like heaven Longtime West Orange baseball coach Bill Chambers is enjoying life in retirement. But he still can’t stay out of the dugout as he takes on a new assistant role for the Warriors. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

nder the lights of West Orange High’s baseball field, Bill Chambers leans against the dugout fencing — a spot with which he has been familiar with for years. With each play that unfolds in front of him, Chambers talks aloud to himself — especially when a ball

finds a gap or a pitcher makes a back-breaking strike. It’s just the program’s Blue and Orange Game, but it doesn’t matter to Chambers — he loves it all the same. Chambers often told the players he has coached that being on a baseball field is the closest thing to heaven on earth, and it’s ultimately what brought him out of retirement to be officially part of the program once again.

“I tell you, I get more out of the kids than they get from me,” Chambers said with a laugh. “I feel very lucky, very blessed. I think just being around them — I’m 76 — is kind of rejuvenating for me; (it’s rejuvenating) being around young kids.” A FAMILIAR FACE

Anyone who has been in the Winter Garden and Ocoee community knows Chambers — thanks in part to his involvement in high school athletics in the area for decades. Chambers began his coaching career in 1967 in Michigan, after SEE CHAMBERS PAGE 16

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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

Kanye Jones In his two years at Windermere High, senior guard Kanye Jones has become one of the area’s most prolific scorers. This season alone, the College of Charleston commit has averaged 21 points and, most recently, scored the 1,000th point of his high school career.

When did you first get into basketball? I’ve been playing basketball probably since I was around 5 — a little bit before then. I got into it really at my old house, when my parents bought me one of those little minihoops, and they put it out on the back porch. I would be out there all day.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Windermere High GRADE: Senior AGE: 17 SPORT: Basketball POSITION: PG/SG

could get 1,000. I don’t usually keep track of how many points I have in a game, but the game when I scored 1,000 points, I knew I needed 10 points. Then after I got to 10, I lost count.

What has kept you motivated to stay in the sport for so long? I think it’s just competing. Basketball is where I can compete and where I can be myself on the court. Earlier, I tried soccer and baseball and wasn’t really into that, but basketball has been it for me.

What was that moment like for you hitting the 1,000-point mark? I felt blessed first off knowing not everybody scores 1,000 points in high school, and I felt relieved — in a sense — because all of the work that I’ve put in leading up to this point and that I’m going to put in is paying off.

Do you have a highlight moment that stands out to you? I’ve pretty much enjoyed it all. If I had to choose one, it would probably be my 1,000-point ball right now, but pretty much I’ve enjoyed all my time at Windermere.

What is the most challenging part about your position? The most fun part? I’ve always been more of a scorer, so now I’m learning how to get teammates involved — it’s me knowing when to turn down a good shot and get a better shot. My favorite part would probably be scoring the ball. I like scoring, I like dropping it off to Sean (Stewart) so he can get a dunk — plays that get us going, so then we get momentum and start going on our runs.

Going into that game against Apopka — where you scored 1,000 points — did you know how many points you needed to hit that mark? I texted Coach Trey (Griseck) the day before, but I was just curious — “How many points am I away from 1,000?” I knew coming into the season — I couldn’t remember the number — but I knew I

Do you have a favorite player you enjoy watching? I would say my favorite player would be Kevin Durant, just because the way he can do everything on the court — he can handle the ball, shoot, get to the basket, play without the ball, play with the ball and get’s to his spots really well. — TROY HERRING

Chambers back in dugout CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

finding inspiration from his high school baseball coach as well as Richard Young — the baseball coach at Bowling Green State University during Chambers’ time at the school. For Chambers, these two men exemplified who he wanted to be as an adult. Chambers coached in Michigan before making the move in 1976 to Florida, where he took on a few different roles before making his way to West Orange High for the 1985-86 school year. Originally, Chambers started as the softball coach — a post he held from 1986 to 1991 — before moving to the baseball and football programs until he retired from coaching in 2005. His longevity in the game happened for myriad reasons, but perhaps none was more important than how he related to his players. Chambers wasn’t a great athlete in high school, but he worked hard and managed to go to college despite financial hardships. That experience helped him appreciate players on his teams who were dealing with the struggles. “When I became a coach, I probably had more empathy for the 24th guy on the team than I did for the star,” Chambers said. In fact there was one year dur-

ing his first stint at West Orange when a player approached him after the end of the season and told Chambers he appreciated the approach. THE COMEBACK

After retiring from coaching, Chambers became the athletic director at Ocoee High School for five years. For Chambers, being the athletic director was a bit different — it was surreal going to games and not being able to coach, he said. He also said dealing with the athletes was easier than dealing with the coaches. In 2010 Chambers retired from his role as AD, but the following year found himself hanging out around the West Orange baseball program again doing odd jobs. “I’ve been doing not a lot of coaching, but cutting grass and running errands because those guys all teach school, and I was kind of their gopher,” he said. “That’s fine — I don’t have a problem with that at all.” Then last year, Chambers approached head coach Jay Welsh about possibly joining — a proposal that was met with an immediate yes, Welsh said. “When I got the job, he came back — he was actually gone on one of his RV trips — and he said, ‘When I come back, is it all right

District winners CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

from a lot more, in a lot less,” Thomas-Smith said. “At one point, I pointed and said, ‘Which one of these do you want? The trophy is right there — do you want it to say champion or runner-up? You choose.’ All they needed was one shot to go through the rim, and we got that.” What happened in the game’s remaining four-and-one-half minutes was a fury of offense from the Lions (13-7), who went on a frantic 12-0 scoring run to end the game. Freshman guard Zoe Sedo kicked off the scoring with four points. She picked up six of the 12 points in the dying minutes — finishing the night with a team high of 18 — while fellow freshman Chelsey Bryant added 15. Outside of the wild, late rally for the Lions, it was mostly a back-and-forth affair between the Eagles (13-5) and the Lions. The teams stayed within a point or two of one another before the Lions used a small run to finish the first half up 20-16. Out of the halftime break, the Eagles went on a small run of their own — scoring six unan-

swered points to go up 23-22 — before CFCA began to pull away going in the final quarter, thanks in part to a 13-point scoring night from freshman guard Talia Kemp and 12 points from Aubrey Satterfield. Then, as if a switch flipped, things changed dramatically as the Lions went on their rampage to claim their secondconsecutive district title. “I’m excited,” Thomas-Smith said. “I feel like I played the game — I’m sweaty, I’m hot. I’m super excited for the girls — I’m just so excited for the work that they have put in this entire season.” With the win, the Lions will now take on Trinity Christian Academy in the Class 2A, Region 3 quarterfinals Thursday, Feb. 11, while the Eagles will face Calvary Christian Academy on the same day. If both teams win their respective match ups, the Lions and Eagles once will again compete against one another in the regional semifinal Tuesday, Feb. 16. WEST ORANGE SNEAKS PAST DP

It took a late push and holding on for dear life to help get West Orange past Dr. Phillips to claim

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if I kind of hang out around the field?’” Welsh said. “And I said, ‘Bill, hang around the field? Tell me what job you want, and you’ll get it.’ “Last year, he took our developmental program — I had a freshman team — and I remember the first day, he’s like, ‘Well who do you want in what positions?’” Welsh said. “And I said, ‘Well you’re the coach.’ He said, ‘Really?’ And he got out his yellow pad, and he wrote it up, and he goes, ‘How does this look?’ and I go, ‘That’s what I want you to do with this team all year — you make the call.’” Along with taking on the role with the developmental team, this season, Chambers returns to the dugout with the varsity team as an assistant under Welsh, who said he has provided the team with tremendous perspective while offering his endless knowledge of the game. The new roles Chambers has been taking on have been a godsend for a man who has a genuine love for the game — and the young athletes who play it. It has kept him young, and has also kept him from going stir crazy at home. “I’m glad all of those folks kept me around,” Chambers said. “I’d drive my wife crazy if I was home all day.”

CLASS 7A, DISTRICT 6: Windermere 37, Haines City 33 The Wolverines claimed their district title and now will host Lake Nona Thursday, Feb. 11, in the Class 7A regional quarterfinal.

the Class 7A, District 3 title in a narrow 56-54 win on Friday night. The Warriors (18-8) started the game ahead of the Panthers (16-7) before struggling on offense. Both teams’ defenses kicked into gear and turned the game in a grinder. As halftime approached, the Warriors were down by 10, but West Orange freshman Jasmine Bocca sank back-to-back threes to pull the home side to within 24-20. Bocca finished the night with 18 points. Much like the latter end of the second quarter, things got wild fast in the second half. “In the third quarter, we were just kind of exchanging blows again, and then they took the lead,” West Orange head basketball coach Brian Rizo said. “They had the lead pretty much throughout, and it wasn’t until the fourth quarter where we kind of upped the pressure. We kind of tied things up, and we were going back and forth with lead changes.” What followed was a big threepointer for junior guard Ajalon “AJ” Gillard before bumping their lead to five and holding on late for the win. Like Bocca, Gillard had an 18-point night for the Warriors. Rizo and his players took some time to enjoy the win, but now it’s time to look toward their home matchup with Colonial in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 7A state playoffs. That game is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11.

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021

SANDRA RAE CRANE DIED SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 2021.

to work. Her family at Ace really kept her going, and she loved her job. She made so many friends and lost some dear ones along the way. She is survived by her children, Harry Lyman Dickinson (Caroline) and Heather Mason (Wayne); and her grandchildren, Lyman Dickinson (Candice) and Meagan Baus Casaceli; and her great-grandchildren, Emma Rose, Harlow Magnolia and Everette Lyman. She also loved her grand-furbabies. A memorial gathering was held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Woodlawn Funeral Home.

ROBERT LEONARD GUM (BOB) DIED JAN. 31, 2021.

Robert Leonard Gum (Bob), 69, passed away Jan. 31, 2021, of bone cancer. Bob was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and a Catholic by faith. He moved to Florida in 1980. Bob drove 18-wheeler trucks for a living his whole life. He worked for Fla air conditioning and Lester Coggins Trucking Company. He was a jack of all trades and master of none; that’s because there was nothing he couldn’t fix, repair or build himself. He met his wife, Deborah Jacks Gum, in 1981. They married in 1985 and had three children; one daughter, Kimberly Ann Gum, passed away in 2002 at age 14 from cystic fibrosis. They also had twin boys, Robert

Jr. and William Carl Gum, 24. They were together for 40 years and married 35 years of those 40. Bob is preceded in death by father William Rex Gum, born in Weston, West Virginia; mother Mary W. Graeber Gum, born Morgantown, West Virginia; brother Bill Gum, born Clarksburg, West Virginia; and sister Kay Gum Mihaliak, born Clarksburg, West Virginia. He is survived by sisters Karen Gum Matish and Debbie Gum Figenbaum; and many nieces and nephews.

Rosalind (Castaldi) Baiardi, 99, of Windermere, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

Alex “Al” Swetnicki, 93, of Winter Garden, died Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

BLAIR M. JOHNSON

DANNY COLE BELLOWS DIED THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 2021.

Danny Cole Bellows, age 72, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. Danny was born on Jan. 4, 1949, in Fort Pierce, Florida, and loved living in Florida but also resided in Bellport, New York, and Northern Virginia. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and owned an HVAC business, which was his lifetime career. Danny was an amazing musician and loved to play guitar and sing. He also loved spending time with his large family, being a grandpa, volunteering to help those in need, the beach and nature, watching all sports, and attending church. Danny is survived by his daughter, April (Robb) Zurek; daughter, Tricia Barnes; son, Adam (Kailey) Bellows; stepdaughter, Jaime (DeMetrice) Settle; stepson, Erik Wolleman; sister, Jean (Kellie) Stephani; brother, Jim (Karen) Sprague; grandchildren, Chloe, Annabelle, Madison, Amelia, Delaney, Lilly, Leigha, Jailyn, Jordyn, Zach and Kyle; nieces, Michelle, Tiana, Alyssa, Jordan, Chelsee, Nicky and Wendy. The memorial service will be private.

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