03.05.15 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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MARCH 5, 2015

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WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA

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ARTS & CULTURE

SPORTS

Oakland Nature Preserve hosts open house. PAGE 10A

Singer Sam Harris will headline Garden Theatre fundraiser. PAGE 13A

Lacrosse players acclimate to new headgear. PAGE 1B

by Peter M. Gordon | Contributing Writer OUR TOWN governance

W.G. leaders approve water tanks for anticipated growth

+ Philanthropist celebrates birthday Cynthia Perry, of Bay Hill, celebrated her 80th birthday in style. Perry, whose birthday was Feb. 22, is a wellknown philanthropist in West Orange County. She began her career as a volunteer as a founding member of the West Orange Junior Service League. Her volunteering continued with the Payne Stewart Charity Golf tournament for The First Academy that raised more than $1 million for an athletic complex. She has served on the Orlando Health Foundation Board for more than 25 years. She and her husband, Bill, donated the Perry Pavilion at Dr. Phillips Hospital. This 12-room addition is for families from out of town who have a loved one in the hospital and need a place to stay. They have also donated chapels and private rooms for families in many of the hospitals associated with Orlando Health. Cindy Perry is still volunteering a few times a week for Shepherd’s Hope and Orlando Health. She is a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church and believes she has been blessed by God to bless others. The Perrys also founded the Quality Assurance Institute, a business for IT professionals. They developed and grew this company for more than 30 years before selling it in 2008. The Perrys have been married for more than 50 years. They have three children: Scott Perry, Jeff Perry and Deb Perry Melnick (Tim). They also have four grandchildren: Justin Melnick, Ryan Melnick, Carly Melnick and Paige Perry.

The two tanks — expected to cost $3.5 million to build — will serve the southwest section of the city. WINTER GARDEN — The Winter Garden City Commission likes to plan ahead. During its Feb. 26 meeting, commissioners voted to start the design process for a one million-gallon potable water tank and a two million-gallon

water reuse storage tank to serve anticipated new development in the southwest section of the city. Assistant City Manager for Public Services Don Cochran said each tank would be built as growth dictates. However,

he needed approval to begin design so construction could start as needed. Cochran estimates the construction costs will be about $1.50 per gallon, or about $1.5 million for the potable water tank and $2 million for the reuse storage

tank. The city awarded the design contract to Tetra Tech, the highest qualified engineering firm. Cochran said the tanks, combined with planned high-tech pumping stations, should keep home water pressure steady. Winter Garden’s water pressure is currently

SEE TANKS / PAGE 6A

HEAT OF THE MOMENT by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Ocoee PD begins java program The officers will meet residents in relaxed spaces to discuss city issues.

SEE COFFEE / PAGE 6A

ACTS OF LOVE Zak Kerr

This new truck is just one honor Oakley Transport driver David Fredericksen has received for saving a 1-year-old from a burning car in August.

HERO ON THE

“I don’t think I did anything extraordinary, just put in an extraordinary situation and did the right thing. I got kids, and for somebody to do that for my kids, of course I’d be appreciative if they did it. We’re not Samaritans, but we think we’re good Americans.”

HIGHWAY

Windermere resident David Fredericksen pulled a 1-year-old from a burning car. Now, he’s a finalist for Goodyear’s Highway Hero Award. There are times in life when a split-second decision can change everything, from the score of a championship game to an academic future in the final minute of a standardized test. But some must make split-second decisions with lives on the line, possibly risking theirs, such as firefighters and police officers. “To me, heroes are police, firefighters, EMTs, soldiers — people who put their

This week’s winner is

lives on the line every day,” said Oakley Transport driver David Fredericksen, of Windermere. “I really don’t like being called a hero.” Gary Medalis, director of marketing for Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems, disagreed. “Each of this year’s Highway Hero Award finalists is a true hero in his own

— David Fredericksen, Oakley Transport driver

SEE HERO / PAGE 8A

by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Unique Conference bolsters W.O. teens’ faith WEST ORANGE — For Valentine’s Day weekend the past six years, Adrenaline and The Roots student ministries have collaborated on community service as part of the Unique Student Conference. This year, about 70 middleand high-school students from across West Orange performed various acts of service around the community on Feb. 14 and 15. “On Saturday and Sunday, we take our students out for four to five hours of community service,” said Marcio Pacheco, youth pastor of Adren-

SEE SERVICE / PAGE 8A

Randy Free.

INDEX Arts & Culture.......................13A Classifieds..............................6B

VOTE FOR

GEORGE

OLIVER MARCH 10

by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

OCOEE — Many police officers and residents agree that they must collaborate to improve their communities. But with the busy, intense formality of officers’ duties, some residents feel uncomfortable approaching officers with important non-emergency matters when officers are on duty. For more informal relations in a relaxed space, the Ocoee Police Department has joined a national initiative through the Department of Justice, “Coffee with a Cop.” Several officers, likely including Chief Charles Brown, will host Ocoee’s first such event from 10 a.m. to noon

WO See the photo on PAGE 8B.

POPO ESPRESSO

Community Calendar..............2A Cops Corner............................7A

Crossword...............................8B Obituaries.............................17A

Sports.....................................1B Weather..................................8B

FOR CITY OF OCOEE COMMISSIONER • DISTRICT 4

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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Business Before Hours — 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Bella Room, 12100 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. This month’s guest speaker will be Jason Seigel, president and CEO of the Orlando Solar Bears. Participants should bring plenty of business cards and come prepared to increase their network. The cost is $15 per person for chamber members and $25 for non-members. A breakfast buffet is included. To RSVP, visit the calendar at wochamber.com. For more information, call (407) 656-1304.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Jump, Frog, Jump — 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Children will have a hopping good time as they enjoy stories, songs and rhymes. Participants will also make a take-home craft. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Sydney’s Yard Sale — 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 6, through Saturday, March 7, at 12552 Scottish Pine Lane, Clermont. This yard sale will support the local charity “Read to Sydney.” Thousands of items have been donated to help expand reading and literacy programs throughout the community. For more information, call Read to Sydney at (407) 247-8595.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Bay Lakes Subdivision Wide Annual Park & Walk Garage Sale — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Bay Lakes subdivision “Greenspace,” Granada Blvd., Orlando. All are welcome to attend. Free space is available for Bay Lakes residents or for $10 for friends and clubs. To register, email BayLakesHO@ aol.com and include your name, address, phone number and email address. Compassionate Presence and Response Training — 9 a.m. to

4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in the Gleason Room at Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. This free course is open to all communities of faith and the public and is designed for those who perform home or hospital visits, health care workers and chaplains. This course has been approved for 12 Nursing CEUs, 12 International Conference of Police Chaplains CEUs and reportable for 12 CEUs credits for other continuing education needs through the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy. For more information, call (407) 2961815. Garden Encore! Annual Fundraising Gala — 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W Plant St, Winter Garden. Celebrate the theatre’s seventh anniversary with a special performance from Broadway star Sam Harris. A pre-show reception will take place with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by alFresco, fresh Mediterranean cuisine. There will also be an exclusive reveal of the Garden Theatre 2015-2016 season. The cost is $200 per person. To purchase tickets, visit gardentheatre.org/encore. Insect Safari: Florida’s Native Bees — 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Join entomologist Christy LeDuc for this month’s talk about Florida’s Native Bees, followed by a safari around the preserve for catch-and-release hunting of all kinds of six-legged wildlife. Nets will be provided while they last. This event is free to the public. For more information, call (407) 905-0054. Join Us At The Table — 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Tucker Ranch, Winter Garden. Join the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for an extraordinary food experience as they connect guests to the land and honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. A four-course dinner will be served family style (or farm style) with a selection of

fine wines and beers offered with each course. During the meal, the local chefs will talk about their respective crafts. For tickets and more information, call (407) 256-3884. ShamROCKS! — 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Children ages 6 through 12 will have a legendary good time with crafts, stories and leprechaun fun. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Walk to Defeat ALS — registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the east side of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, North Eola Drive and East Central Avenue. The walk begins at 11 a.m. Wheelchairbound patients, along with their families and friends, will make a two-mile trek in The Walk to Defeat ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, hoping their steps will make a difference for ALS patients living in Central Florida. Lunch will be provided by Flippers Pizzeria to all registered walkers. To pre-register, visit walktodefeatals.org. Woman’s Club of Ocoee Luncheon and Fashion Show — 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the historic clubhouse, 4 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee. The public is invited to enjoy catered lunch, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and fashions modeled by club members. The club asks for a $20 donation per person. For more information and to reserve a seat, email bmwlady97@aol. com or call (407) 579-7977.

MONDAY, MARCH 9 American Legion Bingo Night — 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the American Legion, Hugh T. Gregory Post 63 building, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The public is invited to attend. For more information, email americanlegion63@cflrr.com or call (407) 656-6361. Crazy 8’s Math Club — 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787; or by email: news@wotimes.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

BEST BET Rummage for Relay — 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7, in the cafeteria at Olympia High School, 4301 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Olympia High School’s National Honor Society will hold its fifth annual rummage sale. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Clothing, small household items, decorations, children’s toys and more will be available. This is a cash only event. No bags will be allowed. For more information, call (407) 905-6408. E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Children in grades three through five are invited to join Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8’s to build, run, jump and make music and a mess. It’s a totally new kind of math club. Seating is limited. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. JCCF Charity Golf Tournament — 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 9, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. The Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund invites the public to attend the tournament, as well as a pulled-pork dinner and silent auction. The auction will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served to golfers, guests and the public beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a donation to JCCF. The tournament cost is $100 per player. All proceeds will benefit JCCF. For more information, visit jccancerfund.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 “The Boxtrolls” Movie & Craft — 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to think inside of the box and enjoy a screening of “The Boxtrolls” while making their own boxtroll to take home. For more information, call (407) 835-7323. Counsel for Caregivers — 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road,

Ocoee. Attendees will gain information and a helping hand regarding their care-giving responsibilities during this free meeting, presented by Orange County’s Commission on Aging. Registration is required. To register, call (407) 836-7446. Cuatro Gatos Book Club — 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St. Join this Spanishlanguage book club to discuss literature, art, music and more related to Latin America. (407) 836-7446. Story time with Chick-fil-A — 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St. Join the library for a fun story time with the Chickfil-A Cow. (407) 836-7446.

WED., MARCH 11 Coffee with a Cop — 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 11, at Starbucks, 10300 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Join neighbors and officers for coffee and conversation. There is no agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the neighborhood police officers. For more information, call (407) 905- 3160, Ex. 3024. Lifeguard Job Fair — 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex pool, 2009 Lake Margaret Drive, Orlando. Orange County Parks and Recreation

invites applicants ages 16 and older to apply online at OCFL. net/jobs for position #15676 Lifeguards for Summer; then contact preferred location for early consideration of a interview: Kelly Park, (407) 254-1906; Moss Park, (407) 254-6840; or Fort Gatlin, (407) 254-9826. A free lifeguard certification class is provided for candidates selected for Orange County lifeguard employment. Wind Ensemble Concert — 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at West Orlando Baptist Church, 1006 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee. The Liberty University Wind Ensemble will perform. The public is invited to this unique service to show their support. (407) 905-9508.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 American Legion, Hugh T. Gregory Post 63 Meeting — 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the post building, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The public is invited to attend. The Legion also is looking for historical articles, pictures or memorabilia about Post 63. (407) 656-6361. Crazy Card Party — 10:15 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. The Windermere Garden Club will host this annual fundraiser and luncheon, featuring card games, a silent auction and a raffle to win a three-day, two-night getaway at Hammock Beach, a four-star resort located directly on the ocean and only two hours from Windermere. Tickets are $20 per person. No card-playing experience is necessary. (407) 876-3121. Lead and Feed Networking Lunch — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant, 8995 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. The cost is $15 if paid in advance or $20 at the door. Lunch, drink, dessert, tax and tip is included. (407) 6561304.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

community by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Pedestrian awareness unites Ocoee High OCOEE — For the week of Feb. 16-20, Ocoee High School held Pedestrian Awareness Week in remembrance of Aubrey Clark, sponsored by the Interact Club. Clark, a student at Citrus Elementary, died Feb. 5 as a result of injuries from Jan. 20, when a driver struck her and a peer who were riding their bicycles home from school. Her stepbrother Christian is a student at Ocoee High School, and the school wanted to help his family, said Ashley Hoffman, language arts instructor and Interact Club sponsor at Ocoee High School. “We were discussing something to benefit the commu-

AMAZING HEART

nity, so what better to do than try that and help someone in that family and benefit the community as a result?” she asked. With Presidents Day off, the week began Tuesday with a banner students could sign during their lunch period in the courtyard by the cafeteria, which the Interact Club was in charge of. It was a pledge to “Pause for Pedestrians,” as the banner said. “I think (the pledge) will be very effective because, unfortunately, I don’t think it’s something that was in the forefront of people’s lives as it is now,” Hoffman said. “Citrus Elementary, where Aubrey

went, is one of the schools that feeds into Ocoee High School. Especially in high school, most of these kids are driving, so, hopefully, it will make them more aware to be careful when driving. Pause, try not to rush, because people’s lives are at stake. I am hopeful that people will be affected because it hit so close to home.” On Wednesday, almost all of the students and staff wore

“

yellow or blue to represent Aubrey’s favorite colors, Hoffman said. A Pedestrians Awareness Fair occurred Thursday during A and B lunches in the courtyard, including activities such as Interact Club’s “Minute to Win It” games and a concert featuring live music by Alex Baugh from The Crazy Carls. “He’s actually from one of Christian’s favorite bands, which we didn’t realize when we set it up,” Hoffman said. “When we told him, he was ecstatic. Baugh dedicated one of his songs to Aubrey. It was

really cool how he tied it to our week.” As for the “Minute to Win It” games, one involved seeing how many cups participants could flip with a string, and another required contestants to try to guess the answer to a riddle within a minute, Hoffman said. But the biggest “Minute to Win It” contest of the week was Friday, when a schoolwide announcement gave each class one minute to see how much money it could raise in its collection box for the Clark family. “They donated $1,900 in

“

Students raised $1,900 in honor of Aubrey Clark, the elementary student who died after she was hit by a car.

It was so amazing to see the school, the students and the staff come together. ... It can’t replace what that family is going through, of course, but hopefully it will help them, even just letting them know we care.

— Ashley Hoffman, language arts instructor and Interact Club sponsor at Ocoee High School

one minute,” Hoffman said. “It was so amazing to see the school, the students and the staff come together. When we counted it, we had tears in our eyes. It can’t replace what that family is going through, of course, but hopefully it will help them, even just letting them know we care.” The Interact Club was responsible for demonstrating that care throughout the school by spreading awareness of the theme of the week and hanging signs all over the place, Hoffman said. “We did lots of little things, like put butterflies with Aubrey’s name around the school as a visual, so people would remember what we were doing this week for,” she said. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

just for kicks by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

SunRidge laces up for shoe drive Foot apparel collected at the elementary school between now and March 20 will be forwarded to underdeveloped countries.

Justin Williams epitomizes kindness in all facets of his life, said Will Blaine, family pastor at First Baptist Church Winter Garden. Amy Quesinberry Rhode

TRY-HARD KID Born with Apert syndrome, Foundation Academy student Justin Williams has had eight major surgeries in his 11 years. WINTER GARDEN — Basketball is Justin Williams’ life. It’s his favorite sport to watch, and he’s a big Miami Heat fan. He plays point guard on the Upward basketball team at First Baptist Church Winter Garden, and, if you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, without a doubt, he will say he wants to be a professional basketball player. His hero is his father, who played ball in college. Justin also serves as an inspiration to others in his daily life, especially his classmates at Foundation Academy, a private Christian school in Winter Garden. Justin was born 11 years ago with Apert syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes craniofacial/limb anomalies — the skull bones are fused together prematurely, and the shape of the head and face are distorted. The bones in his fingers and toes were fused together, too, giving him hands with a mitten-like appearance and webbed toes.

OPERATING ROOM

Justin’s parents, John and Stacy Williams, of Ocoee, said there was no indication that anything was medically wrong with their baby before he was born. After his premature birth at Health Central, he was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he spent 19 days in the Intensive Care Unit. There is no cure for Apert syndrome, but surgeries are an option to minimize the malformations. Justin, who has a mild case of the disorder, has had eight major operations in his young life, the first two at 8 and 12 months of age. In two five- to six-hour sessions, doctors created fingers and toes — first three

and then five on each hand and foot. Justin’s hands have no knuckles, so doctors put a small curve in his fingers to allow him to better grasp objects. Special shoes help him walk easier; he has a short, wide foot, and there are no joints in his toes. His third surgery took place when he was 14 months old. To allow for brain growth, doctors relieved the pressure in his brain by detaching the skull plates from each other. The biggest operation took place when Justin was 9, his parents said. People with Apert syndrome typically have a sunken mid-face; the surgery involved detaching this area — from the eye socket to the upper jaw — from the rest of the skull and placing a halo around his forehead, a dental splint in his mouth and a vertical bar in front connecting the two. Justin wore this for eight weeks, unable to talk, while every day his parents made minuscule turns to a screw, which ultimately pulled his mid-face forward. He lost 10 pounds in two weeks because it was difficult for him to eat. His mother said they had to squirt juice and poke foods like blended peanut butter and jelly through the side of his mouth. It was a scary time for Justin and for his family, John Williams said. But when the midface apparatus was removed, Justin’s grandfather, Milton West, bought him an Xbox 360, and Justin decided it was all worth it. “It was hard,” Justin said. “I was happy to have it done with and move on.” He might face forehead surgery in seven or eight years, his mother said, and he has a tremendous amount of dental work ahead of him.

WHAT IS APERT SYNDROME?

Apert syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes abnormal development of the skull. Babies with Apert syndrome are born with a distorted shape of the head and face. Many children with Apert syndrome also have other birth defects. Apert syndrome has no cure, but surgery can help correct some of the problems that result. Apert syndrome is caused by a rare mutation on a single gene. This mutated gene is normally responsible for guiding bones to join together at the right time during development. In almost all cases, the Apert syndrome gene mutation seems to be random. Only about one in 65,000 babies is born with Apert syndrome. Source: WebMD.com

FAITHFUL FOUNDATION

Before Justin’s surgery last year, fellow students and teachers at Foundation showed support by praying over him. They have done this prior to all of his operations. “The time was very special for all involved,” said Will Blaine, family pastor at the school and First Baptist Church Winter Garden. Students wrote individual notes to Justin so he could read them while he recuperated from surgery, and Blaine arranged for all the kids to sign a banner. “Pastor Will has been such a blessing to all of our kids,” Stacy Williams said. Blaine said he admires Justin for his positive attitude. “He has demonstrated great

courage and has always been one of the most spirited kids in our school,” Blaine said. “Everyone who knows Justin loves him; he has an amazing heart.” This month’s virtue is kindness; “Justin epitomizes kindness in all facets of his life,” Blaine said. Justin said one of the ways he shows kindness is by “helping others when they’re down.” All of the students are quick to stop anyone who even thinks about bullying him. “We just drop him off, and we don’t worry about him being picked on,” John Williams said. “His classmates protect him.” If someone makes a rude comment, what does Justin do? “I just ignore them,” he said. His parents describe him as outgoing and funny, someone who sees himself as a normal child who likes playing video games and hanging out with his buddies. “He’s a try-hard kid,” his dad said. The Williamses are grateful to have the support of family nearby. They live near the Tom West Blueberries farm, which operates on former citrus land owned by Stacy Williams’ grandfather, Tom West, and her father, Milton West. Justin is close to family at school, too; he attends Foundation with a sister and two cousins, which further eases his parents’ minds. “We’ve always taught him, no one’s perfect,” John Williams said. “Everyone has something going on.” Blaine said: “Everyone goes through challenges. Kids get to see Justin go through it and say, ‘I can, too.’” Justin said his gift is that he inspires people, and his advice for people facing a struggle is this: “Don’t be scared. Trust in God that you can do it.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

WINTER GARDEN — SunRidge Elementary students are working on a two-fold project that will support programs in Haiti and raise money for classroom computers at the Winter Garden school. The Parent-Teacher Organization kicked off its shoe collection drive Feb. 17. Through March 20, the school will take shoes that are old or new, of any style, for both genders and for all ages. Prizes will be awarded to the top shoe collector and all students who take in 25 pairs of shoes. The class that collects the most will be treated to an icecream party. As of last week, 750 pairs already have been collected at that school alone. This drive takes the place of traditional fundraisers where students are asked to sell items such as wrapping paper or cookie dough. PTO representative Melissa Klyce said she was contacted by Funds2Orgs, a fundraising organization that was started in 2013 and has corporate offices in Orlando. “All the shoes collected are being placed into microenterprise programs in underdeveloped countries,” said Kyla Emmons, a fundraising strategist with Funds2Orgs. “People that have little to no income come to one of the micro-enterprise hubs and go through a free training course on how to own and operate a small business. “They are then provided with a free assortment of the shoes, which they take into their local marketplace and begin to sell — which develops an income for them,” she said. “They are then able to come back and purchase their second set of shoes at a very low cost, which is how Funds2Orgs develops funds to distribute back out to the groups in the United States doing the

HOW TO DONATE The deadline is March 20 to donate shoes at any of these collection sites in Winter Garden: • SunRidge Elementary, 14455 SunRidge Blvd. • Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St. • West Orange High School, 1625 Beulah Road • Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road • Publix Super Markets, 13750 W. Colonial Drive collections. This program helps gain self-sustainability in thirdworld areas and raises funds for SunRidge Elementary.” And while the program helps underprivileged folks overseas, local students also are getting a lesson in helping others. Although new or gently worn shoes are preferred, the company accepts shoes with considerable wear and tear because they can be broken down into raw materials and used to repair another pair or create an entirely new pair of shoes. After the collection drive ends later this month, SunRidge will package the shoes in bags provided and send them to the warehouse. Once the donations are weighed, Funds2Orgs issues a check and a participation certificate. One organization in Williamsburg, Virginia, collected more than 8,000 pounds of shoes and received a check for $3,224. SunRidge Elementary’s goal is 300 bags, each containing 25 pairs of shoes. Contaact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

Amy Quesinberry Rhode

Some students have already collected more than 25 pairs of shoes in the elementary school collection drive. From left: Kaelynn Christian, Julianna Sara, Rodney Powell, Rosalee Menist, Brandon Anastasia, Trey Cravens, Gianna Correa, Ella Klyce, Ali Klyce and Surraya Fadloullah.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

OUR VIEW

A REAL REPUBLICAN AGENDA

Republicans could go all out, but they won’t You know the old joke: confirmed that reality last Starting Tuesday, March week when he told a group of 3, hold on to your wallets. business people: “You can eiFlorida’s annual legislative ther give up or recognize that session begins. incremental positive change If truth be told, that joke can change the direction of pretty much has disappeared the state.” from most of the states, as In other words, lawmakwell as from Florida. Repubing is much the same as licans — alleged to be fiscally “Good to Great” Jim Collins’ conservative — control 31 “hedgehog” strategy: slow legislatures nationwide. and steady and keep digging. In Florida, we’re There are plenty of about as red as explanations for why you can get in the lawmakers cling to capitol. We have the margins. our Republican For one, elections. governor, 80 of 120 There is always Republican House another one commembers (66%) and ing up. As Gov. soon-to-be 26 of 40 Rick Scott told us Republican state after working with senators (65%), each lawmakers in his house just one shy first year, he found MATT of the veto-proof the No. 1 priority on WALSH supermajority. his fellow governors’ Given this highly and lawmakers’ Florida stacked deck, the minds was “getting Observer fact the governor re-elected.” Not doesn’t have to wordoing what’s best for ry about re-election and this taxpayers; getting re-elected. is not an election year, the In turn, that ever-present Republicans actually have reminder inherently tema historic opportunity to go pers how far lawmakers are crazy with Tea Party-loving, willing to go. They are always freedom-loving, anti-govern- mindful of the potential ment legislation. backlash back home if they Here’s your chance, boys get too daring. and girls. Go for it. Do what On top of that are the two you always say you’re going most important questions to do but never do: Get rid of that hover over every piece waste, fraud and abuse. Cut of proposed legislation: the bureaucracy. Cut regulaWho wins? Who loses? The tions. Cut taxes. Reduce the answers to these questions size of government. Legislate dictate a lot of behavior (and us to liberty-loving nirvana. the size of campaign acOf course, it’ll never hapcounts). pen. The late Milton Friedman They don’t have the pelotas. captured this as well as Unlike our “transformaanyone with the pithy truism tive” president occupying the that “whatever governWhite House, Florida’s gover- ment gives to one, it must nors and Legislature mostly take away from another.” tend to hover and operate Or: Lawmaking is all about well-intended politicians in the margins, predomiattempting to right perceived nantly enacting incremental wrongs for his benefactors at change. That’s the nature of the expense of others. our republic form of repAnd as Friedman also resentative government. pointed out, there is no end It’s safest to operate in the to that process. As soon as margins. lawmakers address a perSenate Majority Leader ceived wrong with a new Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton,

law, inevitably there are unintended consequences that create more wrongs for someone else, which in turn requires another round of laws to correct the newest wrong. Ad infinitum. No wonder, of course, every group, every industry, every special interest has lobbyists running the floors of the statehouse, attempting to hose down or extinguish brush fires before they become catastrophes for their clients. But those lobbyists also inhibit bold ideas and assure marginal governing. The simple reason is all of them are negotiating trades. Everyone in Tallahassee is trading compromises and favors like baseball cards. And that takes a long time. The wording in a bill, or how one compromise might affect the future chairmanship of a committee all matter. Indeed, few of us know what gets traded in the process of a lawmaker rising to a leadership position. All of which brings us to the 2015 Florida legislative session. Here’s the headline: Don’t expect “transformative” legislation. Galvano, R-Bradenton, pretty much confirmed that last week in a preview of the session. What’s in store? • Medicaid expansion: This is likely to be the most dramatic, outside-the-margin legislation to be adopted. The Senate has favored expansion; the House heretofore has opposed it. But with Associated Industries and the Florida Chamber of Commerce lobbying in favor of a modified, more market-oriented version of the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Lutz, one of the architects last year of an alternative plan and opponent to Medicaid expansion, is showing a willingness to consider what is being called “A Healthy Florida Works.”

IF FLORIDA REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS WERE REALLY FREE-MARKET REPUBLICANS, THEY WOULD …

Watch for lawmakers to give in on this. They can’t take the pressure of having the media painting them as cold, heartless Republicans who don’t care about the poor. It’s politically safe; never mind the $5 billion a year cost. • Tax cuts: Galvano predicted there will be more tax cuts, although he didn’t altogether embrace Gov. Scott’s call for $650 million in reduced taxes. “That is just a proposal,” Galvano told a group of business executives. He said reductions are likely to come from the communications service tax; corporate income tax; and elimination of the sales tax on commercial leases. • Corporate “incentives” (aka subsidies): They will continue to be dispensed. (Watch for Venice’s Sen. Nancy Detert to lead efforts to boost the subsidies for the movie industry.) • Amendment 1 implementation: The daily media will be all over lawmakers figuring out where and how to spend one-third of documentary-stamp collections on environmental protection. It’s a leading “green” issue. • Beer: Expect a conclusion full of compromises between major beer manufacturers and distributors and the craft brewers this year over the rules governing the sale and distribution of craft beers. This will consume a lot of ink and air time. • Marijuana: To head off another constitutional amendment attempt by John Morgan, lawmakers will expand what’s permitted in dispensing of medical marijuana. There’s no chance whatsoever for recreational marijuana. Matt Walsh is editor and CEO of Observer Media Group Inc., parent company of the West Orange Times & Observer.

RAISE THE GAS TAX? Chatting recently with longtime Florida economist Hank Fishkind, we asked for three bold moves he would enact if he had the proverbial magic wand in Tallahassee. Economically, they make sense. Politically? Well, two of the three (1 and 3) will never happen. 1) Raise the Fishkind gas tax and use that money to improve Florida’s roads and highways. No high-speed rail trains, but build roads, bridges and ports. As Fishkind has said for more than 30 years as a watcher of Florida’s economy: When you build roads, Florida’s economy grows — with more people, more businesses, more jobs, more wealth. 2) Take the federal Medicaid money and do what Indiana has done — create Florida’s own version of

West Orange Times The West Orange Times (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the West Orange Times are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the West Orange Times, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper. © Copyright 2015 Observer Media Group All Rights Reserved

Obamacare, albeit more palatable. “If you don’t take that money, you still have to bear the cost of all those uninsured people,” he says. 3) Eliminate the state portion of the school property tax and broaden and raise the sales tax. Fishkind teamed up with former House Speaker Marco Rubio and pushed this as far as being placed on the state ballot, only to have the courts reject it. But the effect of that bold move would be to increase the net operating income on commercial buildings, as well as the cash flow and net worth for homeowners. In turn, this would make investing in Florida much more attractive, drawing companies and jobs. As for the higher sales tax, implemented to offset the lost school-tax revenues, Fishkind argues Floridians would only have to make up 80% of the lost property-tax revenues; tourists would pay the other 20%.

“Unfortunately,” Fishkind said, “Tallahassee is all driven by ideology and not by economics.”

MORAL DILEMMA OF MEDICAID

The chorus is rising louder and louder for Florida to accept $5 billion a year in federal taxpayer money to pay for the health care costs of nearly a million Floridians who are uninsured. When reminded that taking federal money is borrowed money that just adds to the national debt that is burdening future generations, economist Hank Fishkind acknowledged the dilemma. Then he said: “That’s a structural problem at the national level. We need to raise the eligibility levels for Social Security and Medicare.” It’s more than a structural problem. It’s a moral problem, too. All of us would be imprisoned if we took money from our children’s trust funds for

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our own consumption today. But this is what more and more state governments are doing. Governors and lawmakers are succumbing to the political pressure to “insure” the uninsured. And then you hear Floridians say: “If we’re paying taxes, we should get some of that money back. Everybody else is doing it. If it’s there, we should take it, too.” But it’s not there. Every state and American that is expanding the Medicaid rolls is stealing. It’s a Faustian bargain. The better bargain could and should go like this: If insuring Florida’s uninsured is a national and state priority, then credit the $5 billion Floridians send to Washington every year. Don’t send it to Washington. Keep it here, and cut federal expenditures elsewhere. Do that in every state. Quit robbing our children and grandchildren. — MW

• Adopt “loser-pays” tort reform. • Eliminate mandated workers’ compensation insurance. • Convert the Florida Retirement System to a defined contribution plan (401(k) plans) from defined benefit plans for all new state employees. • Eliminate the certificate-of-need system for health care facilities. • Create block grants for high-performing school districts — to eliminate the micromanaging that comes from Tallahassee. • Convert public-school financing entirely to an Education Savings Account System, giving parents ultimate choice and creating a competitive education system (See Arizona and Mississippi). State funding for education should be for the students, not the districts, schools or bureaucracies. • Allow school districts to adopt their own standards. Competition will result in higher standards overall. • Reduce the amount of mandated testing in the schools; let districts decide. • Eliminate the limit on class size. • Eliminate the state’s portion of the required school property tax and replace it with a higher, broader sales tax. • Eliminate the corporate income tax (in the end, corporations don’t pay taxes, they pass on the taxes to their customers). • Eliminate Citizens Property Insurance Co. and deregulate property insurance. • Not expand Medicaid. See former Speaker Will Weatherford and Rep. Richard Corcoran’s Florida Health Choices Plus or Indiana’s Healthy Indiana Plan. • Expand medical marijuana, and begin exploring how to create a marijuana market that mirrors the regulated alcoholic beverage industry — whereby every step of production and distribution comes under strict regulation. • Phase out the homestead exemption; quit penalizing part-time property owners, thereby allowing lower and broadened property taxes. • Eliminate the sales tax on commercial leases, thereby lowering the cost of business and increasing Florida as a business destination. • Eliminate the state-mandated comprehensive planning process for counties and municipalities. • Let individual communities decide whether to allow casino gambling. • Eliminate the Department of Professional Regulation. It’s protectionism.

Times WEST ORANGE

CONTACT US The West Orange Times is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@wotimes.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Zak Kerr, zkerr@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Kim Edwards, kedwards@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Creative Services / Laine Richardson, lrichardson@wotimes.com Customer Service Representative / Sarah Felt, sfelt@wotimes.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

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6A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

TANKS / PAGE 1A

IN OTHER NEWS

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• The commission unanimously passed an ordinance to require a minimum distance of 5,000 feet between package stores. This brings the city in compliance with an Orange County ordinance that requires the same separation within the county. The ordinance only affects new stores; current businesses and ones that applied for a permit prior to Jan. 22 will receive an exemption. The exemption will remain even if the business is sold or changes its name. The ordinance also requires that package stores in the city observe a 5,000-foot separation from any package store situated on county land. If the

SERVICE CONTRACTS

After reviewing several requests for proposals, city staff recommended the commission approve awarding three firms annual construction services contracts. City staff can call on these firms for infrastructure improvement projects including utility, storm water, roadway construction, and emergency services, that cost less than $200,000. City staff ranked the firms based on their overall experience, past performance, experience with projects for the city and for other clients, ability to meet time and budget requirements, cost per line item, location of offices and proximity to Winter Garden. The three approved firms — Hudson Site Construction LLC, Dale Beasley Construction Company and T.D. Thomson Construction Company — all ranked within a 30-point range. Af-

ter the top three, the fourthranked firm scored more than 100 points lower. Commissioners approved four firms for Continuing Professional Engineering Services contracts. The companies are Tetra Tech Inc., Wantman

COFFEE / PAGE 1A Wednesday, March 11, at the Starbucks at 10300 W. Colonial Drive. “We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know our officers,” Brown said. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.” The Hawthorne (California) Police Department began the program in March 2011 at a local McDonald’s and has continued it every six weeks since, in varying areas around that community. Now at least 36 states have departments conducting this program. “I think the key is, unfortunately, most of the time we’re meeting people in not the best of circumstances, and we’re hoping to change that...just having casual conversation,” said Sgt. Mireya Iannuzzi, one of the officers who will attend. “I’m thinking it’s going to be a positive experience for officers and the community. Setting is everything, whether you’re getting pulled over or a victim of a

IF YOU GO OCOEE POLICE “COFFEE WITH A COP” WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 11 WHERE: Starbucks, 10300 W. Colonial Drive CONTACT: Sgt. Patera Scott-Marsh, (407) 9053160, Ext. 3024 or patera.scott@ocoee.org INFO: coffeewithacop.org crime — this is much different. (Starbucks) will be providing the coffee, so I’m sure that’ll help, too.” Iannuzzi is unaware of any similar program in Orange County, but Sanford has a similar program, she said. “We want to make it at least quarterly, maybe every other month,” Iannuzzi said. “That’s why I’m hoping it goes very well, so we can do it on a semi-regular basis. The manager at Starbucks is very open to the concept and providing coffee and a reserved area.” But even after internal dis-

county approves a new package store on the county side of the border, Winter Garden can’t approve a package store less than 5,000 feet away within city limits. The city ordinance does not similarly restrict the county. Current stores and permit applicants before Jan. 22 are exempt from this restriction. If the county approves a package store within 5,000 feet of a current Winter Garden store, the Winter Garden store and the county store can remain. • Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution declaring the qualifying results of the 2015 general election for Districts 2,3 and 4. District 2 Commissioner

Bob Buchanan and District 3 Commissioner Bobby Olszewski were the only qualifiers from their respective districts. Because no one opposed them, Olszewski and Buchanan are considered duly elected to another three-year term. “This is my first time running unopposed,” Buchanan said. “I’m glad my constituents believe I’m doing a good job.” District 4 Commissioner Colin Sharman and Winter Garden citizen David Kassander both qualified for the District 4 election, which takes place March 10. • The commission unanimously approved the plat for Phase 2 of the Bradford Creek subdivision.

Group Inc., Reiss Engineering Inc. and Neel-Schaffer Inc. They will provide services related to water, wastewater, storm water, roadway and traffic control, and engineering design and construction services. The firms will work on

an as-needed basis and will be paid an hourly fee. In addition to using similar criteria to that used to rank the construction firms, city staff rated engineering firms on the effect of any legal actions against them and their project workload.

cussions for a long time about hosting this event, Ocoee officers are unsure what to expect, although they remain excited and optimistic that they will have a good turnout, Iannuzzi said. “We’re thinking we’ll probably get questions from homeowners associations, just the general public wanting to know what we do in the neighborhood and how to look at suspicious activity,” she said. “They don’t want to call 911 but want to know how to handle suspicious behavior. We’ll cover different things ranging from credit card fraud to keeping your home safe over the holidays and the non-emergency number.” One of the major benefits of this event Iannuzzi is hoping for is that officers will feel the support of their community. “Unfortunately, with a lot of incidents in the country in recent months, sometimes officers think the community doesn’t support us 100% of the time, and I know that’s not the case,” she said. “They’re going to have their questions and

concerns but really have the appreciation for our jobs. The great majority of the community supports us, and we can forget. I’m hoping the officers get that out of it: that encouragement to keep moving forward, doing the job that they do. It gets lonely sometimes standing out here, doing the daily grind.” “Coffee with a Cop” could help dissipate that loneliness, because the staff is trying to recruit two full-time officers, maybe from the general public after training, Iannuzzi said. That includes another new event: an open house March 31, with plans for free food, displays and facility tours. “Normally, we do most of our recruiting at academies, such as Valencia,” Iannuzzi said. “We’re missing out on people who have already been certified who, for whatever reason, haven’t found a job.” Maybe Iannuzzi will find those people March 11, starting with something as simple as a chat over a cup of joe. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

COPS CORNER WEST ORANGE

OAKLAND

OCOEE

FEB. 10

25TH TIME’S THE CHARM

400 block of West Henschen Avenue. Family Disturbance. Around 5 p.m., officers reported to a home regarding a dispute between a married couple. Officers took the man from their bedroom as one questioned the woman, who was slurring and discussing irrelevant matters and admitted intoxication. She said her husband was seeing a 50-yearold white woman. When the officer told her he could do nothing about it, she yelled about many things making no sense. There was no physicality in the incident — the husband just wanted his wife quiet. Officers told them it was no reason to dial 911 and that they could be arrested for misusing it. Dispatch noted police have responded to the home 25 times since January 2014, 12 times for arguments.

FEB. 11

CREDIT CYCLE

16000 block of West Colonial Drive. Fraud. A motorcycle-store manager informed police that a Capital One card a woman used via phone to buy a $5,460.65 motorcycle Jan. 9 was stolen, per a Feb. 11 report from Capital One. The same woman used a different card via phone Jan. 14 to buy an $11,520.28 motorcycle. The manager requested copies of her card, driver’s license and an authorization form, but she refused, so the transaction was canceled. Police said their investigation led to a positive identification of the woman, who committed grand theft auto and two counts of fraud.

PAINT IT BLACK

100 block of Lafayette Street. Vandalism. A complainant reported someone had stolen black spray paint from his garage and vandalized his car, sometime between 3 and 5 p.m. The can was in his grass with a child’s fingerprints on it, processed as evidence. The same paint was on neighbors’ trees and signs of a specific commissioner. A boy visiting a neighbor’s home had black paint on his hands and shoes and said another child had painted him and the items. The resident said the accused child often waited in front of her home for his dad to get him from school. Estimated damage is $500.

FEB. 10

BATTERY

2400 block of Laurel Blossom Circle. Battery. An officer responded to a battery in progress at 6:46 p.m. A male and female were yelling at each other. The officer had the male approach the squad car. The male said they were discussing relationship issues at Dave and Buster’s, where they called the male’s ex-girlfriend. The female then wanted to search his phone, but he refused, so she took him home, he said. While parked at his home, she tried to take his phone, but he refused, so she punched his mouth and bit his shoulder. She said she tried to exit the car then, but he would not let her, pulling her back in and grabbing the back of her head before biting her cheek and scratching her tattoo. The officer filed battery charges against both.

+ Correction In the Feb. 26, edition, the story, “Ocoee welcomes new fire chief,” we reported Ocoee Fire Chief John Miller’s salary incorrectly. His salary is $112,500. We regret the error.

CALL STATS OCOEE FIRE

The Ocoee Fire Department (stations 25, 26, 38 and 39) reported 112 calls for assistance from Feb. 5 to 11: Fires: 3 EMS: 75 Vehicle accidents: 5 Public service: 24 False alarms: 4

OCOEE POLICE

The Ocoee Police Department reported 963 calls for service from Feb. 5 to 11: Arrests (adult): 18 Arrests (juvenile): 2 Assault/battery: 5 Burglary (residential and business): 4 Burglary (vehicle): 1 Child abuse: 1 Criminal mischief: 2 Drug violations: 6 DUI: 1 Robbery: 1 Thefts: 14 Vehicle accidents: 21 Vehicle thefts: 1 Missing/endangered adult: 1 Missing/runaway juvenile: 1

WINDERMERE POLICE

The Windermere Police Department reported 89 calls for assistance from Feb. 9 to 15.

WINTER GARDEN FIRE

The Winter Garden Fire Department (stations 22, 23 and 24) reported 97 calls for assistance from Feb. 8 to 14: Fires: 2 EMS: 66 Vehicle accidents: 5 Automatic fire alarms: 6 Public assistance: 4 Hazardous conditions: 4 Calls for service: 10

WINTER GARDEN POLICE

The Winter Garden Police Department reported 499 calls for service from Feb. 5 to 11: Arrests (adult): 41 Arrests (juvenile): 4 Assault/battery: 13 Burglary (residential and business): 1 Burglary (vehicle): 2 Criminal mischief: 1 Drug violations: 13 DUI: 4 Sexual assault/battery: 1 Thefts: 5 Vehicle accidents: 32 Vehicle thefts: 1

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

SERVICE / PAGE 1A aline Student Ministries at The Crossings Community Church and one of the organizers. “That’s wrapped around the sessions we created for them at Camp Wewa.” Pacheco got a group from his brother’s church, Apopka Assembly, to join the Unique Student Conference this year at that camp in Apopka by Lake Apopka, where they created staging and much more to help students enjoy a weekend filled with a purpose, Pacheco said. “It’s been awesome, and a lot of students really discover God in their lives and begin to serve the community,” he said. The students performed many different tasks, including: cleaning up trash and repainting areas around the ninth-grade center at West

HERO / PAGE 1A right and a credit to the trucking industry,” Medalis said. “We look forward to honoring these individuals for their courage during the Mid-America Trucking Show.” Fredericksen is one three finalists Goodyear will honor March 26 in Louisville, Kentucky. At about 5:23 p.m. Aug. 11, 2014, Fredericksen, then 53, was driving along Interstate 10 near Biloxi, Mississippi, part of his weekly drive from Florida to California to transport orange juice with his work partner, Walter Lettermen. A 51-year-old woman did not yield to a fuel truck while entering the highway in a Lincoln Town Car, hitting the truck near its fuel tank and spinning out of control while fuel spilled across the road. Flames began to engulf the car. “I actually didn’t think they were alive, and when I got out of the truck … I pulled the (fire extinguisher) pin and was praying that I wouldn’t

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Orange High School; assisting with the landscaping needs of Westbrooke Elementary School; and tending food gardens and housing projects at Matthew’s Hope to help impoverished and structurally challenged populations, Pacheco said. The focus of the conference for six years has been for students to study how God uniquely created each of them, with past projects including home makeovers in Winter Garden, service for world health organizations and battered women and helping a large warehouse in Jacksonville to provide for the victims of poverty and earthquakes in Haiti. For some students, they had their first chance to contribute to the needs of others in their community in a way this meaningful, Pacheco said. One

student said it was a better use of time than going to the mall on a Saturday; another said it made her feel like a leader; and one student even said it was the first time he felt as if he had connected with God. “We tell them they can only use their phones at night to call their parents,” Pacheco said. “It’s a chance to get them to connect with a side of themselves they never have. They are reading the Bible and practicing messages over their head spiritually the next day. They help strip down selfishness and see, ‘Wow, I’m actually contributing.’” One of the girls who attends West Orange High School said as she was working she was doing something bigger, and that God inspired her to continue working, Pacheco said. “Most students aren’t used to working without getting paid

for it,” he said. “It’s just really neat that even a seventh-grade boy who goes to a charter in Ocoee, as he was working, had this thought that he really felt

inspired and connected with God: Don’t complain, just do the task set before you to help. And he felt a version of him come out, the version that’s

there but needs some inspiration, and that’s what God does.” Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

have to deal with gory stuff,” Fredericksen said. “I started putting the fire out and could see inside the trunk. I went around and saw a head in the back window, and that’s when I went up and saw the lady in the front seat. I grabbed the door, pulled it open, and the little girl was standing up in her car seat. Smoke was really black above her head.” Fredericksen assumed the driver could get out alone, because she was kicking the door, but he was not aware that her leg was broken, he said. “I reached in and grabbed the little girl,” he said. “I came out, and a couple other people were helping the lady. I … handed her to Walter and went back to try to put out some more fire as they tried to get the lady out of the car, and when my fire extinguisher ran out, I walked away.”

icksen said. “We’ve got a fire extinguisher on our trucks; if I didn’t have a fire extinguisher, I couldn’t have gotten to them.” Fredericksen has heard many similar stories of other truckers’ valor. Despite them all, stigmas against them remain, which is why the Town Car driver’s lack of license and registration and irresponsible driving particularly upset him. Without the right insurance — or even with it — the trucker she hit could have had to pay a fortune, he said. “The problem is, no matter what, it’s our fault,” he said. “Let’s say a car pulls out in front, and I hit it. The speed limit’s 55, and I’m doing 60. They can go back and say, ‘If you would’ve been doing the speed limit, you wouldn’t have hit them.’ It doesn’t matter — they pulled out in front of me. All I was doing was my job. That’s why we got e-logs. I like that; it records everything. But still, if you’re going one mile over, they’ll say the timing would be different and it’s my fault.” Stigma pervaded this situation on a personal level, too: Police arriving minutes after the wreck checked Fredericksen’s truck for damage, thinking he had caused it. This makes camera logs crucial, and Fredericksen’s video not only

proved the Town Car driver’s culpability but allowed his son, Logan, to upload it, leading to his nomination. Fredericksen said viewers have criticized Lettermen for asking what they could do about the wreck, thinking he wanted to stop Fredericksen. “I don’t look at it that way,” Fredericksen said. “They were posting on there that he should be fired. He didn’t have to do anything — nobody has to do anything. We believe God put us there for a reason. Thirty seconds earlier, it would’ve been me they would’ve run into. Thirty seconds later, I would’ve been so far back in traffic, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. We’re glad that He used us to help those people.” A Christian magazine about miracles featured Fredericksen and changes in his life that recently reinvigorated his faith. “Ask yourself what you would’ve done,” he said. “I hope I would help somebody. Those people are alive today because I did. I don’t think I did anything extraordinary, just put in an extraordinary situation and did the right thing. I got kids, and for somebody to do that for my kids, of course I’d be appreciative if they did it. We’re not Samaritans, but we think we’re good Americans.”

HONORS

Fredericksen believes Clinton Blackburn, a driver from Morehead, Kentucky, will win the award for saving a jailer from strangulation by a prisoner in transport. Last year’s winner saved a fellow trucker from being crushed by his truck after he lost control and the truck was hanging off a bridge, Fredericksen said. He caught fire and fell to the underpass, where a fellow trucker used water to put out fire on him and dragged him to safety before the truck fell. “I talk to other drivers, and the things they have to do — you got three dead kids and you got another to try and keep alive,” Fredericksen said. “That would be a tough one. I’m honored to be mentioned with them.” But the greatest honor for Fredericksen is at home. “My three kids at home think I’m a hero,” he said. “They posted a picture of Mr. Incredible, saying, ‘We think you might be him.’ My kids are my life, and when I came home, they were calling me a hero, and that means the most to me.” Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

SELF-PRESERVATION SPURS NOMINATION

“People are afraid of big trucks, but a lot of times, we’re the first to help you,” Freder-

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Dozens of children joined the Unique Conference for service.

Officials at Oakley, a company based in Lake Wales, where Fredericksen and Lettermen report, nominated Fredericksen for this award. “I’m doing this for (Oakley) and for Goodyear,” Fredericksen said. “It’s not about me. They’ve honored me and my co-driver because of this, put all this chrome on our truck — we got the first one of them. Oakley stepped up and paid $1,500 for plane tickets for my kids to go to that — that’s pretty nice.” Oakley will honor Fredericksen and Lettermen as its Team of the Year, giving them a raise of 10 cents per mile — about $12,000 more per year — Team of the Year apparel, truck furnishings such as a television and a refrigerator and a steak dinner with door-to-door limo service, Fredericksen said. The mayor of Lake Wales and its police department gave the pair a commendation. Fredericksen was the second runner-up in Progressive’s Real Life Trucking Hero Contest for his deed, as well, and believes he will finish similarly at the Mid-American Trucking Show.

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ONLINE: See the video of the rescue on our website, wotimes.com.

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+ MVA student places second in bee Dhyey Shah, an eighth-grade student enrolled in Montverde Academy’s middle school, was runner-up in the 2015 Lake County Spelling Bee, which took place Feb. 27 at the Eustis Community Center. As runner-up, Shah will represent MVA at the district spelling bee. If she wins there, she will go on to compete nationally in Washington, D.C.

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Oakland Nature Preserve shows off history, progress The weather was wet, but that didn’t stop folks from going to the Oakland Nature Preserve’s open house Feb. 28 to learn about its ongoing and special programs and classes, check out the history classroom and hear updates on Lake Apopka and its North Shore Project. Programs were offered on geocashing, archery, edible plants, flint knapping and palm-frond weaving. Guests could also explore the grounds and take a stroll on the boardwalk. The band Lucky Mud performed its Florida folk music, too.

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Matthew’s Hope builds a place to play Folks came from as far away as Canada on Saturday to help dedicate a playground for the youngest homeless children in West Orange County. Matthew’s Hope is opening the doors to its new Firm Foundation Preschool, and a colorful playground was recently built right outside the school’s doors. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Saturday at the Kiwanis Centennial Playground; hundreds of Kiwanians and community members were there to celebrate. Kiwanis International President Dr. John Button and his wife, Debbie, traveled from Ontario for the event. Also present for the ribbon-cutting were Florida District President Charles Gugliuzza and other state Kiwanis representatives, as well as Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and Commissioner Colin Sharman, Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark and Commissioner Joseph McMullen and Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn. All of them crowded under a tent to stay dry during the afternoon rains.

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eight. The non-member rate is $25 per person or $200 for corporate tables. To make a reservation, visit the calendar at wochamber. com. For more information, call (407) 656-1304.

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+ Windermere Garden Club

+ Bloom & Grow Garden Society The Bloom and Grow Garden Society recently welcomed Mike and Belynda Rinck, owners of AG 3 Inc. AG 3 is a tissue and culture lab and wholesale plant nursery with locations in Eustis and Zellwood. The company works to gather tissue cultures of specific plants and grow the cultures in a laboratory to multiply into millions of plants. These plants are eventually sold to greenhouses and nurseries all around the United States.

+ W.O. Seniors The West Orange Seniors will take a trip to see Hank Williams perform Saturday,

WEST ORANGE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Results from Feb. 19 N-S: 1. N. Fortin – S. Landis 2. J. DeLoach – N. Velden 3. Y. Peabody – M. Voorhees 4. H. Parker – M. Lesnik 5/6 tied L. Madison – B. Cox, M. and J. Chilton; E-W: 1. S. and B. Binkley 2. B. Shelton – M. Guthrie 3. M. and F. Schwartz 4. S. Horovitz – R. Austen 5. R. Kerkhoff – N. Brockman.

Bloom & Grow Garden Society Program Chair Leigh Ann Dyal, left, recently welcomed to the club’s recent meeting Mike and Belynda Rinck, owners of the plant nursery AG 3 Inc. April 11, at the Ice House Theatre in Mount Dora. Dinner will be served. The cost is $40 per person. The group will depart from the Tom Ison Seniors and Veterans Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee. Bingo is held from 3 to 6:30 p.m. every Sunday and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. every Monday at the center. Free arthritis chair exercises, sponsored by Health Central Hospital, take place at 8 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Every Tuesday, line-dancing classes are available at 10 a.m., with a minimum $2 donation, and free belly-dancing exercises are offered at 1 p.m. The seniors play cards from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. They also enjoy dominoes, walking, social activities, coffee and more beginning at 9 a.m. each Wednesday at the center. Crafts take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, and chorus practice takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays. For more information about

the West Orange Seniors and upcoming events, call (407) 592-4498 or visit westorangeseniors.yolasite.com.

+ W.O. Chamber of Commerce The West Orange Chamber of Commerce invites guests and members to attend its next Business Before Hours event from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Bella Room, 12100 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. This month’s guest speaker will be Jason Seigel, president and CEO of the Orlando Solar Bears. Seigel will speak about the upcoming projects, events and exciting new developments within the Orlando Solar Bears organization and how they will impact West Orange County. Participants should bring plenty of business cards and come prepared to increase their network as well as generate leads and create business connections. The cost is $15 per person for members, or $120 for corporate tables of

The Windermere Garden Club recently welcomed six new members at its Newcomers’ Brunch, hosted by Maria Hawke. Current members were proud to accept Margaret Scoleri, Andrea Mason, Dorie Barcus, Maria Murray, Charisse Santoro and Sherri Ang to the group. The club’s focus is on gardening and monthly programs that teach about gardening. Its contributions to the Windermere community include scholarships to horticulture students, donations to the historical schoolhouse and orange grove project, work with Nehrling Gardens and donations to local, charitable groups. The club’s annual Crazy Card Party Fundraiser and Luncheon will take place at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. This event will feature a silent auction and a raffle to win a three-day, two-night getaway at Hammock Beach, a fourstar resort located directly on the ocean and only two hours from Windermere. Tickets are $20 per person. No card-playing experience is necessary. To make a reservation, call (407) 876-3121. For more information about the Windermere Garden Club, call (407) 909-1461.

SENIOR OF THE MONTH: JENNIE PIZZO The West Orange Seniors announced Jennie Pizzo as its Senior of the Month. Born Sunday, March 6, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, Pizzo is the the fourth child of Jennie and Patty DeStio. Pizzo’s father was a sanitation worker, and her mother was a housewife. Pizzo, who goes by the name of Jane, had three older brothers, Anthony, Alexander and Michael, and a younger sister, Margaret. After completing high school in Brooklyn, she and Vincent Pizzo were married Sept. 9, 1945, and this September will celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss. While her husband was in the U.S. Army Air Force, their son Joseph Pizzo was born. Pizzo was a stay-at-home mom until her son went to school. She then worked sales in a department store in New York. Music was always a part of Pizzo’s family, as her oldest brother was a drummer for the famous Eddie Duchin The public is invited to enjoy catered lunch, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and fashions modeled by club members. The group asks for a donation of $20 per person. For more information and to reserve a seat, email bmwlady97@aol.com or call (407) 579-7977.

WINTER GARDEN

+ Rotary Club of Winter Garden The Rotary Club of Winter

Jennie Pizzo Orchestra. She and her husband attended many shows at Radio City Music Hall, and their son continues to sing professionally with Tommy and the Crests. Jane and Vincent Pizzo moved to Florida in 1990. They have a 23-year-old grandson, Brent, and a 21-year-old granddaughter, Cathryn. They also have one great-grandson, Declan, who is two years old. Pizzo can usually be seen at bingo and the monthly luncheons and also joins the West Orange Seniors on the casino trips to Biloxi. Garden recently welcomed Theresa Ronnebaum as the guest speaker at its weekly lunch meeting. Ronnebaum is an identity theft victim specialist for the Florida Attorney General’s office and provided the club with information on how to protect against identity theft. The Rotary Club of Winter Garden meets at noon Tuesdays at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. For more information, visit rotaryclubofwintergarden.org.

OCOEE

+ Woman’s Club of Ocoee The Woman’s Club of Ocoee will hold its 91st annual Birthday Luncheon and Fashion Show at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at its historic clubhouse, 4 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee.

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City of Ocoee General Election Tuesday, March 10, 2015 CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSION DISTRICT #2 Mike Hopper Rosemary Wilsen CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSION DISTRICT #4 Joel F. Keller George Oliver III View sample ballot at www.ocfelections.com Polls are open 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 pm and are accessible for people with disabilities. You will be asked to show both Photo and Signature Identification. Need assistance regarding marking your ballot? Bring a family member, friend, or ask a poll worker. You are entitled to assistance at the polls, except from your employer or union representative. For Absentee Ballot, call 407-836-2070 Early Voting March 2-6, 2015 at the Supervisor of Elections Office, 119 West Kaley St., Orlando, FL 32806. Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm. Polling Locations for Precinct #2106 (District 2) OCOEE LAKESHORE CENTER – 125 N LAKESHORE DR, OCOEE From Silver Star Rd and Bluford Ave, go south on Bluford to Oakland Ave, then left on Oakland to poll on left corner of Lakeshore Dr. and Oakland Ave. Polling Location for Precinct #4106 (District 4) JIM BEECH RECREATION CENTER - 1820 A D MIMS RD, OCOEE From Clarcona Ocoee Rd and Wurst Rd, go east on Wurst to A D Mims Rd, then left on A D Mims to poll on left, next to the wastewater treatment plant. From Clarke Rd and A D Mims, go west on A D Mims to poll on right. Registration Book Closing To vote in this election, you must be registered on time. Books will close on February 9, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for more information at 407-905-3105.

Courtesy photos

Rotary Club of Winter Garden President Sheri Loiacono, right, recently welcomed identity theft victim specialist Theresa Ronnebaum, of the Florida Attorney General’s office, as the guest speaker at a recent meeting.

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STAR POWER by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 “Millions of Cats” Puppetry Workshop — 4 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Children ages 6 through 12 will draw, create and perform a puppet show based on Wanda Gág’s “Millions of Cats.” This event is presented by Bits ‘n Pieces Puppet Theatre. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

Courtesy photo

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy Workshop — 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. This three-hour workshop is an introduction to Chinese painting and explores the use of ink stone, ink sticks, brush and paper, also known as “The Four Treasures.” Learn about composition and a variety of techniques to create a landscape painting and calligraphy piece. Materials are provided or guests may bring their own brush, ink and rice paper. The suggested donation amount is $15, cash or checks only. Checks should be made out to Women in the Arts Inc. This class is for ages 18 and up. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call (407) 835-7323. Jazz in the Park — 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs will host a free evening of Jazz in the Park. The event will feature Jazzyway Express, Eastside Combo and the Dave Capp Project. Guests should bring lawn chairs. For more information or to register, visit OCFL. net/ParksEvents. Music on the Porch: Mountain Brew — 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Come hear Mountain Brew’s blend of American and Celtic music that combines the sounds of folk, rock, bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Irish, pop and country. (407) 835-7323. Treasures of Jewish Music — 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont. Temple L’Chayim will host a special Purim Concert and Party, featuring a melody of festive songs and traditional Jewish music. This event is open to everyone. Advance tickets are $20 per person or $15 for seniors and children age 10 and under. All tickets are $25 at the door. For more information, visit TempleLChayim.com.

THURS., MARCH 12 Dr. Phillips High School Theatre Magnet Presents “The Mousetrap” — 7 p.m. March 12 to 14 and 3 p.m. March 15, at Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. This production of Agatha Christie’s award-winning comedy is directed by magnet instructor Jeff Perino and will be performed in the brand new Studio Theatre. For more information, updates and to purchase tickets, visit dphs. ocps.net and “Like” the group’s Facebook page.

Courtesy photo

Sam Harris entertains at the mic with song, theatrics and comedy.

MUSIC MAN “Star Search” winner Sam Harris will mix pop, Broadway and comedy in a show benefiting local performing arts.

WINTER GARDEN — Fresh off an off-Broadway run of his theatrical show, multi-platinum recording artist and Broadway star Sam Harris will headline “Garden Encore!” the premier fundraiser of the Garden Theatre, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the theater, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. This event serves as the theater’s celebration of its seventh anniversary since its reopening after restoration and a means to draw donations for its $420,000 annual fundraising goal as a non-profit committed to enrichment through creativity and performing arts. Garden

Theatre officials will announce the 2015-16 live season for the theater, as well. Harris, who won the first season of “Star Search” in 1983-84 and has attained Tony and Drama Desk award nominations, will entertain a local audience with what he calls an eclectic mix of pop, Broadway and comedy. “I always do an eclectic bit of material and created an art for that sort of concert,” Harris said. “I’d rather not get too specific, but I’m doing some songs that I’m associated with and then some original material. There’s some Broadway, from songs I love to songs I’ve done on Broad-

way. I’m going to do a couple of songs from the new show, ‘Ham,’ and songs that I’ve recorded — it’s a real mix.” That show, called “Ham: A Musical Memoir,” is based on Harris’s recently released first book, “Ham: Slices of a Life,” a series of tales and essays on everything from when he grew up in Oklahoma to show business, fame and his life as a husband and a father. Both have received positive reviews from The New York Times. “Last year, I released my book, called ‘Ham: Slices of a Life,’ and I did a show that was

IF YOU GO “GARDEN ENCORE!” WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7 WHERE: Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden TICKETS: $200 INFO: (407) 877-4736 or gardentheatre.org/ encore

SEE HARRIS / 15A

KEEP IT FRESH by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Farm-to-table dinner will benefit cystic fibrosis patients Tucker Ranch will host the annual “Fresh from the Field.” WINTER GARDEN — Although soft-shell crab rolls, shrimp cocktails and yellowfin ahi tuna are more often associated with coastal areas, they will be among the myriad dishes served at a farm-totable dinner at one of Winter Garden’s newest farms Saturday, March 7. At 5:30 that evening, Shula’s American Steakhouse’s cock-

IF YOU GO FRESH FROM THE FIELD WHEN: Saturday, March 7. Cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m.; dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Tucker Ranch, 100 Avalon Road, Winter Garden TICKETS: $165 ($105 tax-deductible) INFO: cff.org/Chapters/Orlando, (407) 256-3884 or lmmurphy@cff.org

tail reception will begin with those appetizers as part of the annual Fresh from the Field dinner to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis, hosted by the Florida Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to which all proceeds will go. “The event will be held at Tucker Ranch in Winter Garden,” Executive Director Lisa Murphy said. “This future site of a 20-acre, state-of-the-art working farm will be a perfect setting for an unforgettable and original dining experience.” Guests will dine at one exaggeratedly long table for a fourcourse meal made by Robert J. Ciborowski, executive chef for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Course one features short

SEE DINNER / 14A

Courtesy photo

Chickens roamed Lake Meadow Naturals Farm at last year’s event.

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These were among the hors d’oeuvres last year.

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DINNER / PAGE 13A rib “en cartoccio,” Tuscan kale, potato gnocchi and English peas. The second course includes chilled Maine lobster, king crab, spring truffle and compressed fruit. The third course will be served family-style, with a cornucopia of comestibles: “Cib’s Smokehouse,” Texas pit brisket, barbecued Bell and Evans chicken, Carolina pulled pork, hand-crafted bacon, Anson Mills white cheddar grits, creamed corn, Fregola sarda pasta salad, savoy cabbage coleslaw, traditional potato salad, pickles, scallion cornbread, mini buttermilk biscuits and honey butter. As if that were not enough for several meals, the final course — dessert, of course — will showcase the trio of Laurent Branlard, executive pastry chef for the Walt Disney Wold Swan and Dolphin Resort: vanilla creme and raspberry compote-filled marshmallow with mandarin diplomat cream and fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce; lime panacotta and lime gelee with lemongrass coconut and pineapple soup and lime madeleine; and Earl Grey tea ganache fried truffles with milk chocolate pudding cream and dark chocolate sauce. This premier Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation event also will feature a fine selection of wines and local craft beers, as well, Murphy said. “A special tasting by Palm Ridge Reserve will also be offered for all guests.” she said. Crooked Can Brewing Co. from the new Plant Street Market will offer an exclusive sampling of its craft beers, too. Tucker Ranch, about 209 acres on the west side of Avalon Road (County Road 545) and the northeast side of John’s Lake, has an extensive history of around 100 years, including World War II military research on radar systems and development of mosquito repellant. The Tucker family purchased the property in the 1940s, built a farmhouse in 1964 and used the land for cattle grazing and citrus groves until the freezes in the early 1980s. Since that time, it has been a grazing area, although a campground was operational from 1969-2003. Winter Garden purchased Tucker Ranch in 2011 for $2.1 million and received a state grant to preserve and develop it as a legacy park with a historic site designation. Camping, a canoe and kayak launch, walking trails, gathering space and the working farm have been aspects of the park in the works. Among developments on the site will be a community and teaching farm, a greenhouse, a retail store, a commercial kitchen and cold storage. New farming technology using permaculture and a sustainable food hub will be among the showcases at the ranch, which will sell all of its food to local vendors, schools and the Winter Garden Farmers Market. This year, Winter Garden will continue Phase II of the site: farm development and restoration of native vegetation. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

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HARRIS / PAGE 13A partly a reading and a musical event in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but we didn’t get up to Orlando,” Harris said. “I will enjoy just being with a lot of great people. My sisterin-law used to work in Disney World and now works in Disneyland. I know (seeing her in the audience) will be fun for me personally.” Harris has not been to the Garden Theatre, but he accepted the invitation to perform at it for this event because of the enthusiastic people who care about carrying on the traditions of theater in West Orange. “They called, and I said yes,” he said in deadpan. “When they told me about the Garden Theatre and its status as a non-profit organization and the things they do in developing theater and hosting plays, concerts and movies for the community, it sounded like something I would be happy to be a part of. Theater is tough, especially for notfor-profits. Anytime people get together for a single cause with a passion for theater, it’s going to be a great night.”

15A

Joining Harris that night will be his accompanist and musical director, Todd Schroeder, with whom he has worked for more than 20 years. “He’s the best,” Harris said. “We just breathe together. Whenever we do a special event, we try to put specific material from my repertoire together that fits the crowd. We’ve rehearsed and will get there the day before. The day of, we’ll have a rehearsal and a sound check, and then the next day I get up at the crack of dawn to go back to LA.” From large-venue tours to small-venue one-offs such as this, Harris is accustomed to popping all over the place, he said. “Everyone that we’ve been working with (from the Garden Theatre) has just been amazing, on their game, excited and really focused to make it a good event,” he said. The event will begin with a reception catered by alFresco at the rooftop greenhouses of the adjacent Roper Garden Building, featuring fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

YEP, SMALL & HOMEY

Sam Harris will perform for around 300 locals March 7 at the Garden Theatre.

Courtesy photo

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West Orange Times & Observer in partnership with Gracie’s Pet Food present

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Iris T. Mora used bright yellow acrylics for her “Heavenly Chief,” left. Her husband, Ulysses Mora, stands in front of his “Love Me, Love Me Not” II, III and IV.

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eryday life on the West Orange Trail, from biking and running to scenery and sunsets by the trail. The city held a meet-andgreet for the artists and residents Thursday, Feb. 26, and many of the creators were there to talk about their work. Exhibit participants include Iris T. Mora (acrylic), Barbara K. Stanczak (photography), Debra Vineyard (cut-up men’s

ties), Barbara Phelps Hart (acrylic, gouache and acrylic), Anna Cary (photography), Jim Orme (photography), Ulysses Mora (acrylic on canvas), Ana Aguel (watercolor), Catherine Hempel (oil), Kimberly Beltrame (oil on canvas), Noreen Coup (original palette knife) and Jay Kleinrichert (photography). This AIPP exhibit will remain on display until April 17.

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Debra Vineyard used her grandmother as inspiration for this pre-West Orange Trail scene where the Killarney Station now stands. The picture is made entirely out of material from neckties.

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Kimberly Beltrame created this downtown Winter Garden scene, “The Walk Into Town,” in oil on canvas.

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OBITUARIES Mary Jo Fishback Ardaman

Mrs. Mary Jo Fishback Ardaman, born April 29, 1928, entered eternal life on the evening of Feb. 28, 2015. An Orlando native, Mary Jo enjoyed a rich and productive life. She graduated from Orlando High School in 1946, attended University of Kentucky and was one of the first women to earn a juris doctorate from the University of Florida. She was a longtime member of League of Women Voters and Rosalind Club. She was an avid bridge player, a Scrabble enthusiast and loved reading the newspaper. She was exceedingly generous to those in need. After practicing law, she married Dr. Erdem Ardaman, deceased 1971. She is survived by their four children, A. Kurt Ardaman (Karen), Asim Andrew Ardaman (Colleen), Dr. Miles Ferdi Ardaman (Isabelle) and Ella Jo Florence Ardaman; as well as six grandchildren, Karson, Ansley, Kara, Ariana, Kassel and Tallie Ardaman; two great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters, Eloise Fisher (James), of Mt. Dora, and Ann Bennett (John), of Orlando; and her brother, H.D. “Happy” Fishback (Janice), of Canton, North Carolina. She is predeceased by her father G.B. “Big Ben” Fishback; and mother, Florence

“Flossy” Bumby Fishback. She will be fondly remembered by an extended family of relations and friends too numerous to name, from every walk of life. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Woodlawn Cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Reading Reindeer in Mary Jo’s name through the West Orange Times & Observer, (407) 656-2121.

Bruce Anthony Dunford

Bruce Anthony Dunford, 73, of Ocoee, Florida, passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at Florida Hospital, Orlando, surrounded by his family and friends. Bruce was born Oct. 15, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest of six children of the late Olga Rose Manfroi-Dunford and Howard Alfred Dunford Sr. He is survived by his loving sister, Patricia Dunford-Gaedicke; his four daughters, Annette Dunford-Lewis, Angela Dunford, Tricia DeLoach and Tiffany Reding; and his three grandchildren, William, Johanna and Ava Dunford-Groves. He is predeceased by his brother and sisters: Arline (June), Rosalind (Dolly), Howard Jr. and Laura Fay. Bruce worked at Walt Disney Imagineering for 18 years,

including Euro Disneyland in Paris, France. In 2012, Bruce retired as Zoning Inspector for the city of Ocoee with 10 proud years of service. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bruce’s name to the Hospice of the Comforter, 605 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, Florida, 32714 would be appreciated. His arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations.

Ellen May Milton

Ellen May Milton, 93, passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 4, 1921, in London, England, Ellen was a master at everything she undertook to do, whether it be creating beautiful knitted sweaters or making delicious breads, pickles and marmalade. She was a master gardener who grew an abundance of vegetables and flowers, and preferred being out of doors to inside. Ellen reverenced nature and especially appreciated the beauty of the sky. In her lovely, lilting voice, she often sang songs from her English childhood and could recall poems learned in her youth. She had a wise saying for every situation. Ellen lived a life of purpose, dignity and hard work, and did her best to pass on to her children the virtues she valued so highly.

She will be sadly missed. Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, David W. Milton; five children, Laurin (Mindy) Milton and Nancy (Don) Draughon, of Durham, North Carolina, Elizabeth (Robert) Solomon, of Evans, Georgia, and Jennifer (Glenn) Hawkins and George (Joye) Milton, of Ocoee, Florida; a brother, George Parker, of Crawley, England; 17 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Charles; her sister, Florrie; and brother, Les.

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A PLACE OF REST

Mary Lou Naramore

Mary Lou Naramore (nee Golden), 84, passed away Feb. 27, 2015 in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Lou was born in Pell City, Alabama, to parents Vida and Robert Golden. Lou was a lifelong homemaker dedicated to her children and family. She enjoyed careers at the FBI and Disney World. She is survived by her husband, Billy Neal Naramore; sons, Chip and Rodney; daughters, Missie and Cindy, daughters-in-law Brenda and Kathy, son-in-law Bob; nine grandchildren; one granddaughter-in-law; and one great-grandson. Services were held at First Baptist Church, Matthews, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local hospice care. Online guestbook is available at heritagecares.com. CHARLES “DUCK” FLEMING, 84, of Winter Garden, died Feb. 27, 2015. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home. MILDRED GETTINGS, 93, of Ocoee, died Feb. 26, 2015. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha. UY PING GO, 81, of Ocoee, died Feb. 27, 2015. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha.

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Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Alvin Bryant off to fast start for Panthers. 2B SPONSORED BY MAIN STREET MOWERS

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boys lacrosse by Emilee Jackson | Contributing Writer

Pro player sets example as Windermere Prep coach JoJo Marasco, a midfielder for Major League Lacrosse’s New York Lizards, is in his second season as head coach of the program at Windermere Prep. WINDERMERE — Just days after his graduation from Syracuse University, JoJo Marasco began his career as a coach for the Windermere Prep boys lacrosse team. Not too long after, he began his career as a professional lacrosse player. Marasco, a midfielder for the New York Lizards of Major League Lacrosse, joined the Lakers (4-1) a little more than a year ago and has been

SIDELINE SCENE

MLS debut exciting for region’s sports Early on Sunday evening, 60,000 people from across Central Florida will converge upon the newly renovated Orlando Citrus Bowl for, you guessed it — or perhaps you didn’t — a soccer game. The home opener for Orlando City Soccer Club against New York FC, a contest that will mark the debut of both franchises in Major League Soccer, was announced to be a sellout Monday morning. The contest, which STEVEN also will air RYZEWSKI nationally on ESPN2, is an exciting occasion for sports fans around the region. Yes, even for those who don’t care about soccer. Old-timers from the area probably can remember a time when a professional sports franchise in Central Florida seemed like a pipe dream. Then along came the Orlando Magic. Of course, there were doubts as to whether an area full of transplants from somewhere other than Orange County could sustain a pro sports franchise, but this region has demonstrated it will support the heck out of the Magic when they are winning — and probably support them more than they deserve when they aren’t. And so, it is an exciting

SEE SCENE / PAGE 2B

EDITOR’S PICK

GAME OF THE WEEK

Each week, Sports Editor Steven Ryzewski will choose a “can’t-miss” Game of the Week, as well as note some honorable mentions. Olympia at Ocoee (baseball): 4 p.m. Friday, March 6 The Ocoee baseball team is off to an encouraging start, and Olympia is just really, really good. The Titans will be favored, but I’m anticipating an exciting atmosphere on campus in Ocoee and optimistic the Knights will rise to the challenge for this district matchup, making for an exciting ballgame. Honorable mentions: Foundation Academy at CFCA (softball) 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10; Dr. Phillips at Oviedo (boys lacrosse) 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10

busy building the program up toward its full potential while balancing his obligations as a professional athlete. “I had an opportunity to get out of the cold weather from New York, and this is a great school here and we’re trying to build a big program here, so it’s a good start,” Marasco said. The Lakers went 7-6 in Marasco’s first season at the helm and are off to a promising

start this spring. Despite his impressive credentials as a player, Marasco was met with big shoes to fill in taking the coaching job at Windermere Prep. Previously coaching for the Lakers were brothers Jake and Jesse Bernhardt. The duo was a dynamic pair of coaches who are part of a family that has made a significant impact on the sport in Central Florida, as both players

and coaches. As the Bernhardts decided to move on to other opportunities, they approached Windermere Prep Athletic Director Danny Haney with a number of lacrosse players they thought would be a good fit to lead the program going forward. “When I brought them in, I said, ‘Guys, it’s just like replac-

SEE BOYS LAX / PAGE 2B

girls lacrosse by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

Emilee Jackson

Windermere Prep boys lacrosse coach JoJo Marasco, a professional lacrosse player for the New York Lizards, addresses the Lakers during a timeout.

SOFTBALL by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

Foundation Lions rebound after loss The state-ranked Foundation Academy Lions scored 34 runs in two games after suffering their first defeat on Feb. 23.

Steven Ryzewski

West Orange’s Karson Keiber sports the 10-millimeter headband that has become the popular choice among many girls lacrosse programs because, from afar, it looks like a normal headband many girls would have worn in seasons past.

FACING THE CHANGE

The inclusion of a less noticeable 10-millimeter headband has eased many aesthetic worries, but the FHSAA’s headgear mandate still has created concerns.

When the news broke last summer that the FHSAA was going to mandate protective headgear for girls lacrosse, most players and coaches objected and feared the worse. Pictures circulated of hard helmets, like the ones used in the boys game, and soft helmets, that — in addition to being rather unflattering, aesthetically — critics also suggested could make the game more unsafe by subconsciously encouraging girls to be more aggressive with their sticks. Despite those strenuous objections from players and coaches, as well as the game’s national governing body, U.S. Lacrosse, the FHSAA held firm on its mandate, and the 2015 season has begun with the mandate in place — though, depending on which teams you are watching, it could be hard to tell from the stands. Of the seven models of protective headgear approved by the FHSAA, released in a statement on Jan. 15, the one that seems to be the most popular is a 10-millimeter headband. Although the padding is noticeable up close, from the stands, the headbands are hard to differentiate from headbands that

SEE GEAR / PAGE 2B

TITANS STILL UNDEFEATED, RANKED NO. 5 IN STATE ORLANDO — Olympia senior Ashley Aken said she and her teammates have put a positive spin on their ranking near the top of the state by LaxPower.com. As of March 2, the Titans (7-0 as of press time) are No. 5 in the state and, as such, the girls never get a night where they don’t get an opposing team’s best shot. “We definitely walk on the field with pride, and it’s much more fun to have the energy (of a big game),” Aken said. “It’s interesting to think that we always have a target on our back, but we take that as a challenge, not as an obstacle.” To that end, rather than being content, first-year coach Elyse DeLisle has succeeded in motivating her girls to want more; with Olympia’s defense, in particular, being one area that the Titans are improving in — as evidenced in an 18-2 victory over Winter Park last week. “We really preach little things — communication, ground balls,” DeLisle said. “All those things were on

point (against Winter Park), and I think that’s kind of what kept us going, kept our momentum up. Our defense, this was probably our best game we’ve seen out of them so far.” Moving forward, DeLisle — who played her own varsity career at Olympia before playing at Rollins College — said her team, which certainly does not want for talent, will have to continue to grow in its ability to make adjustments on the fly. “Learning how to play hard and smart has been huge for us,” DeLisle said. — Steven Ryzewski

WINDERMERE — Ranked as the No. 4 softball team in the state in Class 2A, the Foundation Academy Lions responded to their first loss of the season just as a team with aspirations of reaching the state tournament ought to — by scoring 34 runs over the course of its next two games and concluding last week with a pair of emphatic wins. After falling to Cornerstone Charter on Feb. 23, 166, the Lions (7-1) overcame a slow start on Feb. 24 against Windermere Prep to score a 17-6 victory — a scoring output they duplicated two days later against Calvary Christian in a 17-0 win. “I had to get on them a little bit in the second inning,” Foundation Academy head coach Randy Ames said after the win over the Lakers. “And they responded — and that’s what I was looking for — a response.” The Lions amassed 22 hits over the two-game stretch, including a pair of home runs in the victory at Windermere Prep: one by Kristin Lawrence and a grand slam by Stevi Ames. “We’re hitting the ball pretty good,” Randy Ames said. “Defensively, we’ve struggled a little bit, just being a bit lazy. Nothing that practice can’t fix.” After a busy last week of February, the Lions begin March with just one game this week: a contest on Tuesday against Real Life after press time. Foundation will then take a week off before returning to action on Tuesday, March 10, at rival CFCA. Randy Ames said the focus over the next few weeks, as the Lions prepare for a busy stretch of four games in 10 days before spring break, will be getting his roster to to grow comfortable and confident in one another. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.

WEST ORANGE DROPS EXCITING CONTEST AT APOPKA APOPKA — A diving catch was all that separated West Orange from completing a comeback and tying things up on Friday night in a road game against the rival Apopka Blue Darters. Apopka center fielder Julia Wright dived and caught a well-hit ball by Lexie Blair that, in all likelihood, would have scored Kelsey Morrison, who stood on second base. Instead, the catch ended the game, giving the Blue Darters a 6-5 victory — and the Warriors (9-1) their first loss of the season. The game’s final out cut short a rally by West Orange, which had trailed by three runs, 6-3. A solo home run by FSU signee Sabrina Stutsman earlier in the inning had energized the Warriors’ dugout and fans who had made the trip north to Apopka. “These girls don’t quit, and they showed that,” coach Todd LaNeave said. “We missed some balls early in the game that, the game would have been closer … and we wouldn’t have gotten down 6-3. But they’re going to fight, and they’re going to continue to fight, and I’m proud of them for that.” Stutsman had two total RBIs on the night, as did Kori Peterson. The Warriors will get another shot at the Blue Darters (6-2) on March 17 in Winter Garden — a game that will be broadcast on live television by Bright House Sports Network. — Steven Ryzewski

Steven Ryzewski

The offense for Foundation Academy came alive last week after the team suffered its first defeat. The Lions scored 34 runs in two games.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

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ALVIN BRYANT Junior track star Alvin Bryant is off to a fast start to the season this spring, taking home first-place honors at recent meets like it’s no one’s business. Bryant competes in the 4x100-meter relay, the 4x400-meter relay and individually in the 100-meter and 200-meter events. The Panther standout, who also plays slot receiver and running back for Dr. Phillips on the football field, took first place as an individual over the weekend at the competitive Lake Brantley Invite. Your name has been popping up quite a bit for first-place finishes these past few weeks. How have you felt on the track? I feel like I’m doing all right. I feel like there’s a lot more pedestals I can climb as the season continues. But, as of right now, I’m at a good spot. Which event do you like the best? I honestly like the 200 (meters) best because it shows all-around athleticism — the way you get out (of the block) and the way you can hold your stamina in your system and burn it all out the last 100 meters. What do you like about competing as a team member in the relay races? The relays, I like begin depended on and showing what I can do for a team. What do you like about competing as an individual? I like showing what I can do when I am just racing for myself. What do you need to improve on over the next few weeks? Honestly, my block starts, I need to train a lot harder. Just put a little extra time in. What’s the dynamic like when you’re running as an individual but trying to help the team win a meet? Really, I’ve just got to go out and do what I’ve got to do. It puts a lot more on you knowing that your team is depending on your points. How much downtime did you have between the end of football season, with the deep run into the playoffs the team made, and the beginning of training for track? This year, I had about a week-and-a-half, and then I went right into track conditioning. How did you mentally handle the disappointment of the loss in the regional finals in football while getting yourself ready for track? I just knew that I was going to be on relay teams, and I knew I had people depending on me to go out and do what I had to do, so I really couldn’t let it bother me. We’ve got another season

this (fall) to give it our best shot. What’s it like when your goal is to be the top runner in a very competitive state? It keeps me going, knowing that I can’t stop because there is always going to be someone behind me and there is always going to be someone working probably as hard, or twice as hard, as me. So I’ve just got to work three times as hard. So which sport do you prefer — track or football? I can’t even tell you. My heart is ripped in half. So, really, if it comes down to a college offer (between the two sports), I’m going to have the toughest time, keeping me up all night, to figure out which one I’m going to go for. What’s something about you a lot of people don’t know? The only thing no one would suggest I do is I eat a lot of junk food. I eat a lot of junk food, and I drink a lot of Dr Pepper. It’s the worst habit I’ve ever had. Did you see blue and black or white and gold with the dress photo that went viral? I saw white and gold (the day of) but this morning, I saw blue and black. It was really scary.

GEAR / PAGE 1B many players would wear in previous seasons. The inclusion of the headband with the other more noticeable options has helped to quell many, but not all, of the concerns many held. “Most teams went with (the headbands) to try and get as minimal as they possibly could,” West Orange coach Mary Hopkins said. “It could have been much worse had they not approved some of these smaller ones.” Although nothing of the sort has been said officially on the record, it is fair to see the inclusion of the more minimal headbands as an unofficial compromise of sorts, after the initial mandate got national attention. “I am really thankful for the compromise,” Olympia senior attacker Ashley Aken said. “The headbands, from afar, look just like normal headbands, which most of us would wear, anyway.” The aesthetic change may be modest, dependent upon which model a program chose, but the headbands are causing some unexpected problems, as players like Aken noted they do not pair well with the protective goggles the girls already wear and have been a source of headaches during and after competition. “These are still causing some problems: They’re sliding off players’ heads, or they’re causing their googles to slide off,” Hopkins said. “That’s the main issue right now — the googles really do protect (the girls), and (the headbands) are making them less effective now.” Not quite halfway into the season, many still are undecided on just how much the mandate is affecting the game. With area programs such as Olympia and West Orange — ranked No. 5 and No. 23 in the state, respectively, by LaxPower.com — looking to position themselves for the playoffs, many players and coaches are rolling with the headgear mandate for the time being as they focus on on wins and losses. “Was it something we wanted? No. But is everyone doing it? Yes,” Elyse DeLisle, first-year coach at Olympia, said. “We’ve kind of just embraced it.” Overall, the theme seems to be summed up by the view that it’s “not that bad,” as West Orange senior Leah Hughes put it — and teams whose coach or athletic director opted for the 10-mm model are thankful for that. “A lot of the other teams have worse (models),” Hughes said, noting her appreciation that Hopkins choose the minimalist headbands. “It’s not that bad; I thought it was go-

BOYS LAX / PAGE 1B ing Michael Jordan in basketball, losing you two,’” Haney said. “They were special, just really good-natured kids.” Haney said he wasn’t confident about many of his options for a replacement until the Bernhardts approached him with one last name: Marasco. As the Bernhardts told Haney — if he could get Marasco, he would soon forget all about them.

SCENE / PAGE 1B occasion to see Orlando — the county seat and West Orange’s neighbor to the east — add a second franchise. Take it from someone who drives around between the eight high schools we cover more than I care to acknowledge: Orlando City — whose mascot is the Lions — has a presence in West Orange. Perhaps you’ve noticed the purple car decals? They’re everywhere. Soccer is a sport growing in

YOUNG WARRIORS GROWING INTO CONTENDER After dropping two out of three contests in mid-February (to rival Olympia and Jacksonville’s Creekside High School), the West Orange Warriors have rebounded to win three straight and a team with just two seniors might be finding its stride. “We have a young team, so we’re trying a lot of the new kids on the field,” coach Mary Hopkins said. “We have some very dominant kids, and we only have two seniors this year.” Hopkins’ Warriors (7-2) defeated Apopka, Boone and University last week by a combined score of 47-9. Although none of those programs are considered elite, it was nonetheless an encouraging week for a West Orange team that has some big games looming — including a matchup against Potomac (Washington, D.C.) March 23. “Win or lose, it’s not as important to us to take the win but just to measure up to see how (we play) when our hands are held to the fire,” Hopkins said of the contest against an outof-state opponent. “(We want) to see how well we react.” With a pair of road games ahead against East Ridge (March 5) and Bishop Moore (March 9), senior Leah Hughes is optimistic about what she and her teammates can accomplish. “Of course, we want to get better and not have any more losses,” Hughes said. “It should be a good season if we keep it up.” — Steven Ryzewski ing to be worse.” Whether the game has become more aggressive is also hard to tell less than halfway through the season, although there is a noticeable change in the way officials are officiating. “Calls have definitely been tighter because it’s what the refs are looking for,” DeLisle said. “But I think that (stricter officiating) has just been a point of emphasis allaround, helmets or no helmets.” One concern that has yet to be addressed, thanks to the erratic and chilly weather of late, notes Hopkins, is how much of a hinderance the headgear could become as temperatures rise. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewki@wotimes.com.

baseball by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

Big week bolsters youthful Lions squad Foundation Academy defeated Faith Christian, Evans and rival CFCA last week to get heading in the right direction. WINTER GARDEN — Casey Lemke tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs, in leading the Foundation Academy baseball team to a 5-2 win over the rival CFCA Eagles. The win was the third of the week for Foundation (3-2), which also beat Faith Christian and Evans, and head coach Brent Casteel said it could be a turning point for the Lions — a team with no seniors. “It was a big week because our guys needed a little morale booster,” Casteel said. “It’s been real good for them. We’ve just been talking to them about pushing, pushing — continuing to push on.” Although the Lions fell behind early, Lemke said he had a lot of faith in his club’s defense and kept focused, picking up steam as he progressed through the game. “I felt good — I have a great team behind me,” Lemke said. “(CFCA is a) rival school; we’ve been the underdogs against them for a couple years.” Casteel said it was the best Lemke has looked on the mound as a varsity ballplayer. “This is his best game he’s had, even looking at last year,” Casteel said. “He even came up to me before that last inning and he said, ‘Coach, give it to me, I want to finish it up’ — and he did.” Leading 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth, Colton Davis singled in a pair of runs to give the Lions (3-2) some breathing room. Ish Hernandez and Luke Noah each had an RBI for CFCA (4-7).

Steven Ryzewski

Foundation Academy junior pitcher Casey Lemke tossed a complete game in a 5-2 win against CFCA on Feb. 27.

Ocoee off to strong start

Heading into a tough week that will include a home-andhome district series against nationally ranked Olympia, the Ocoee Knights (4-1) are off to an encouraging start to the 2015 campaign. Already, the Knights have defeated Freedom, Orlando Christian Prep, South Lake and West Oaks, and the team’s only loss was a close 2-0 contest to Wekiva. Pitchers Dylan Ivory and Logan Cargilio each have a pair of wins on the hill for Ocoee, bolstering the Knights’ rotation. “We are a team with a lot of seniors, and you can see in their eyes they are going to leave it all on the field every time they are out there,” Ocoee coach Bobby Brewer said. “We are moving in the right direction, and these older kids are laying a foundation that will put this program at a level it’s never seen before.”

WARRIORS TAKE DISTRICT TITLE

Steven Ryzewski

The West Orange High School Warriors took first place at the FHSAA Class 3A District 2 meet Feb. 25 at Edgewater High School. West Orange amassed 155 points, in total, to Apopka’s 145. West Orange senior Ish Hollis took first place at 285 pounds at the district meet.

“Sometimes you don’t get this lucky in this game, you really don’t,” Haney said. “I always believe anyone is replaceable, but man, I didn’t know if I could do this.” Once Marasco arrived, Windermere Prep never looked back. His dedication to the program, as well as balancing his professional career, has impressed both the athletic staff and players. “It’s a lot of work; you have to put the hours in and be motivated and work extra hours,”

Marasco said. “The toughest thing is just traveling that much and still realizing you have a team.” While learning to juggle everything, Marasco strives to avoid falling behind and makes the most of downtime. “In his planning periods, he’s not sitting in the office drinking coffee; he’s up on our lacrosse wall training,” Haney said. “And it’s good for our kids to see that, (to) see a pro athlete who’s out there — a teacher/mentor — out there

training the way he trains.” Being only 24 years old, Marasco has been able to connect with his team in a way that many other coaches cannot. “What makes JoJo special is that he’s like one of us,” senior attack Jay Hunter said. “Having a guy that young that can really connect with the players — it helps us as players to understand what he’s trying to say to us, and it helps us build a better relationship with our coach.”

popularity, thanks to the rise of the youth and high school game as well as the increasing ability to watch high-level soccer from overseas on television. Oh, yeah, and don’t forget the FIFA video game, either. Right here in West Orange, we have a program in the West Orange Warriors that has made an appearance in two of the past three state championships. Now, none of that means the game the rest of the world refers to as football

has any chance of usurping the football many Floridians know, love and worship, but this franchise does offer some things of which other sports franchises and high-profile college programs — American football included — would do well to take note. If you’re not familiar, Orlando City actually has been around for three years. Previously, the Lions competed in the USL PRO league — America’s third-tier soccer league, a minor league. Part of the reason the team is set to debut in America’s highest league is because they built popularity the old-fashioned way: They won. A lot. The Lions won the USL PRO championship two out of the three years they were in the league. The other reason we are where we are is because the franchise, under the guidance of president Phil Raw-

lins, has done a tremendous job of reaching out to fans and building a loyal following through a friendly, interactive approach to fan involvement. If you haven’t met and chatted with an Orlando City player, it’s probably because you haven’t tried. Add to the equation that the upstart Lions have signed Kaká — who was, at one point, widely regarded as the best player in the world — and are making no secret of their playoff aspirations in their first year in the MLS, and we should be in store for a fun summer. Unless you want to haggle with ticket scalpers, it’s too late for you to get tickets to Sunday’s game unless you’ve already got them, but that’s OK. There will be plenty of home games as Orlando City navigates its way through its inaugural MLS campaign. Take my advice and gather the family to see what all the fuss is about.

ACTIVE

ON THE LINKS

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

WOTimes.com

new arrival by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

IRON-CLAD

ALTERNATIVE

Your golf ball is not in the best position. Making par is critical at this point in your round. What shot will you choose to hit that ensures your best possible chance to make par? In this situation, most golfers have a go-to shot they feel most comfortable playing. Most JOHN HUGHES often, this shot resembles a chip shot, but I have seen plenty of golfers use other types of shots to get out of nasty situations. Regardless of what your go-to shot may be, it all boils down to properly planning the shot and giving yourself the best chance to feel fully committed to hit the shot for which you planned. Follow this easy checklist the next time you are in a stressful situation on the golf course to ensure your go-to shot has the best chance to succeed. Gotha resident Dave Knepper opened his Iron Core Gym in Ocoee in December.

Dave Knepper, owner of Iron Core Gym in Ocoee, hopes his new facility offers an alternative to commercial gyms for anyone in West Orange who is serious about getting strong and getting a quality workout.

isplayed prominently along the eastern-facing wall of the Iron Core Gym in Ocoee is a sign with the facility’s rules. Except, if you read through the 10 rules, you might come to see that owner Dave Knepper intends them less as rules in a traditional sense and more as a philosophy for his new gym. With rules including “use chalk,” “work hard or go home,” “do not lower dead lifts quietly” and “watch out for each other,” the essence of the facility, which opened 12 weeks ago in the space

throwback to the neighborhood gyms of old. With less frills, it is a place where he hopes those interested in strength training, powerlifting and bodybuilding can go to get a good workout. The keypad-access facility, which is open 24 hours, is intended to be a limited-membership club (to be capped between 200 and 250 members) to create an environment where paying members do not have to wait to use a desired piece of equipment or machine.

Photos by Steven Ryzewski

The Iron Core Gym in Ocoee only offers a limited number of memberships to keep the facility from becoming too crowded. formerly occupied by VI Levels MMA (since relocated to Winter Garden), becomes clear. Iron Core is meant to be an alternative to the Planet Fitness and other “big-box” gyms and health clubs that are popping up throughout West Orange and Central Florida. Knepper, a Gotha resident, envisions his facility as a

And, most importantly, Knepper, a Kissimmee firefighter/paramedic with more than two decades of experience, hopes to create a true club, where the men and women who train at Iron Core see themselves as parts of a whole. “It’s a camaraderie thing,” Knepper said, recalling training sessions with his fellow paramedics. “I kind of built

this place to hopefully foster the same thing among the people who work out here.” Glancing around the facility, located in the Old Time Pottery shopping center at the intersection of Maguire Road and West Colonial Drive, it is at once purposefully simplistic and yet deceptively thorough in its offerings. There is a free-weight area, several Hammer Strength machines, a TRX suspension training area, a space set aside for dead-lifting, cable training, squat racks, punching bags, cardiovascular training equipment, including treadmills and more. “The one common thing I think that brings people here is the theme is this is a place where you’re going to find other people who have the same interests,” Knepper said. “We would like to know that the folks that come are committed to their sport of their endeavor.” Iron Core is a place geared toward powerlifters and bodybuilders, but it is not exclusively for them. Knepper said people from all walks of life — from police officers to high school sports coaches — have joined the gym since its opening in December. Knepper, 50, particularly would like to create a place where an older crowd of lifters feels comfortable coming to lift. Older men, in particular, could benefit from a strength-training regimen, he says. “I have a good idea of what’s going on with the guys in my age group, health-wise, especially as a paramedic,” Knepper said. “I try to talk to the (older) guys … I say, ‘Look, if you want to keep testosterone levels up, resistance training is the No. 1

way to do it outside of medication.’ That’s the hormone that’s released when you’re working hard.” Although many members of his gym will inevitably have a somewhat intimidating look associated with the kind of strength training the facility specializes in, Knepper hopes anyone who is serious about working hard and getting strong — even if they have no formal interest in powerlifting or bodybuilding — will feel welcome. “There’s such a stigma around bodybuilding and weightlifting … (but if ) you talk to some of these guys, they’ve got college degrees and great professions,” Knepper said. “Usually they’re the nicest guys on Earth. (But) I understand how, sometimes, that look can be a little intimidating to people — especially in the gym setting. “They’d be happy to lend you a spot,” he said. “That’s kind of our thing here, we’d love to help each other out.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.

THE BASICS IRON CORE GYM ADDRESS: 11167 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee WEBSITE: ironcoregym.com FACEBOOK: iCardio’s Iron Core Gym COST $29.99 per month, month-to-month (no contract)

ON YOUR MARK >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BATTLEFROG CENTRAL FLORIDA WHAT: 15K and 5K obstacle-course races WHEN: 7 a.m. March 14-15 WHERE: Rock On Adventures, 17701 Old YMCA Road, Winter Garden WEBSITE: battlefrogseries.com

SYSTEMA WHAT: This Russian martial art focuses on self-defense methods, greater strength and endurance, patience and working with others. WHEN: 7 p.m. Mondays WHERE: Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden

What is your go-to shot?

WINTER GARDEN USSSA SOFTBALL WHAT: Registration is open through March 9 for Winter Garden’s Adult Polar Bear League. WHEN: Game times are 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; play begins April 6. WEBSITE: cwgdn.com

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLUB. The biggest mistake most golfers make is choosing the wrong club, regardless of the situation. Be sure to choose the correct loft first, then the length of club, which best fits the situation you face. 2. FIND A TARGET WHERE YOU WANT THE BALL TO LAND. Find an absolute specific place where you want your shot to land. Imagine a towel or another flat object laying on the ground in the place where you want the ball to land. 3. SETUP POSITION. All good shots start with a great setup position. Ensure you are in a well-balanced position to make an efficient swing. Take into consideration any abnormal conditions or obstacles. This is the only chance you have to avoid the obstacles while placing yourself in a good setup position. 4. REHEARSE THE SHOT LOOKING AT YOUR INTENDED LANDING PLACE. Doing so provides your eyes and brain an opportunity for you to feel comfortable hitting the shot. If you feel uncomfortable rehearsing the shot, make what changes necessary to feel comfortable and increase your chances of executing a great shot. 5. CREATE-NOW-COMMIT. This is a phrase I coined several years ago. To this point, you have created the ideal shot and the right conditions to get out of trouble. But, are you fully committed to hit the shot? Do not hit a shot, under any conditions, unless you feel confident and fully committed you have chosen the right go-to shot.

Don’t be surprised if these five simple steps allow you to hit better go-to shots when you are under the most stress during your round. Slowing down, remembering what steps provide you the best opportunity to succeed, and following those steps in a relaxed way will reduce the chances of you compounding a mistake, by making another. John Hughes is an award-winning golf coach. His website and blog, JohnHugheGolf.com features tips, advice, and the programming he offers at West Orange Country Club. To find out how you can improve your golf game or schedule a lesson with John, contact him at john@johnhughesgolf, or follow John as “JohnHughesGolf” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube or Instagram.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

REAL ESTATE by Michael Eng | Executive Editor

Keene’s Pointe home sells for $1.75 million A home in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 20 to 26 in Windermere and Winter Garden. The home at 6122 Keene’s Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $1,752,856. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, seven-and-one-half baths, a pool and 6,518 square feet. The price per square foot is $268.93.

WINDERMERE KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11867 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $495,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,449 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.52.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 7537 Brofield Ave., Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $324,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,610 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.14. The home at 13242 Roxboro Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 25, for $266,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,875 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.87.

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 91 High Sale Price: $1,752,856 Low Sale Price: $23,000 REO/Bank Owned: 20 Short Sales: Six

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12874 Holdenbury Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 26, for $312,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,006 square feet. The price per square foot is $103.79.

PROVIDENCE

The home at 13655 Zori Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 23, for $304,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,521 square feet. The price per square foot is $120.94.

RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 11024 Kentmere Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $690,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,531 square feet. The price per square foot is $195.41.

The home at 6348 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $680,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,931 square feet. The price per square foot is $172.98.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 13820 Bluebird Park Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $425,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,369 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.15. The home at 4336 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $433,000. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 3,632 square feet. The price per square foot is $119.22.

WESTOVER CLUB

The home at 1726 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $610,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,660 square feet. The price per square foot is $130.90. The home at 9322 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Feb. 26, for $348,600 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,548 square feet. The price per square foot is $98.25.

“I Care About Our Community, its History and its Future.”

Courtesy photo

This Keene’s Pointe home, at 6122 Keene’s Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold for $1,752,856. It features six bedrooms, seven-and-one-half baths, a pool and 6,518 square feet of living area.

WHITNEY ISLES AT BELMERE

The home at 1324 Whitney Isles Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $400,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,902 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.84.

WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 11398 Willow Gardens Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 26, for $440,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,567 square feet. The price per square foot is $171.41.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 1962 Maple Leaf Drive, Windermere, sold

Feb. 26, for $440,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,752 square feet. The price per square foot is $159.88.

WINDERMERE LANDINGS

The home at 6120 Roseate Spoonbill Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $430,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,633 square feet. The price per square foot is $163.31.

WINDERMERE SOUND

The home at 13266 Penshurst Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 23, for $400,640. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,288 square

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WOODS OF WINDERMERE

The home at 1465 Maravilloso Loop, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $825,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,596 square feet. The price per square foot is $179.50.

WINTER GARDEN ALEXANDER RIDGE

The home at 2247 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $348,480. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,773 square feet. The price per square foot is $92.36. The home at 2208 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $336,600. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,773 square feet. The price per square foot is $89.21. The home at 2226 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $347,140. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, three-and-one-half

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

The home at 632 Lost Grove Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $285,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,880 square feet. The price per square foot is $98.96.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 16174 Johns Lake Overlook Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $800,486. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,468 square feet. The price per square foot is $179.16.

ISLES OF LAKE HANCOCK

The home at 760 Tranquil Trail, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $263,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,719 square feet. The price per square foot is $96.73.

The home at 7851 Skiing Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $1.3 million. Built in 2003, it has six bedrooms, sixand-one-half baths, a pool and 6,684 square feet on 1.69 acres. The price per square foot is $194.49.

CARRIAGE POINTE

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15608 Golden Bell St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 26, for $326,500. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,895 square feet. The price per square foot is $112.78.

COBBLESTONE OF WINTER GARDEN

LAKE ROBERTS LANDING

The home at 349 Country Cottage Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $310,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,009 square feet. The price per square foot is $103.02. The home at 344 Black Springs Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $234,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,901 square feet. The price per square foot is $123.57.

DEER ISLAND

The home at 15128 Heron Hideaway Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $485,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,247 square feet. The price per square foot is $114.20.

The home at 17806 Westbay Court, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $950,000. Built in 1999, it has six bedrooms,

The home at 2023 Lake Roberts Landing Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $312,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,696 square feet. The price per square foot is $115.73.

OAKGLEN ESTATES

The home at 426 Newhearth Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $219,749 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,009 square feet. The price per square foot is $73.03.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 4438 Old Sycamore Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $330,000.

REGENCY OAKS

The home at 707 Willett Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $270,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,087 square feet. The price per square foot is $87.46.

Pat Sharr Realty

407-656-7947 MultiMillion Dollar Producer Broker/Owner Broker/Owner

www.patsharr.com patsharr@aol.com

BUYING A HOME?

SELLING YOUR HOME?

CALL ME TODAY!

407-948-1326

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1803 Black Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 26, for $500,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,491 square feet. The price per square foot is $111.33. The home at 1144 Hawkslade Court, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $255,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,451 square feet. The price per square foot is $104.24.

A REAL SWEETHEART!!!

HONEY STOP THE CAR!!! That is what you will say when you see this 3 Bdrm. 2 Ba. IMMACULATE CONDITION!!! This home features a tiled foyer with tray ceiling. Open floor plan consisting of your living/great room with sliding glass doors leading to the privacy fenced back yard, to your left is dining area, kitchen and breakfast bar. Kitchen comes complete with pantry and all appliances, all window coverings stay too! Just off the foyer is the hallway with two great bedrooms and full bath. This home also features, granite countertops in kitchen, breakfast bar and baths. Inside laundry, dual sinks in master bath and 2-car garage, paver driveway. Walk to the W.O. trail, minutes from downtown Winter Garden. Original Owners...Nothing to do but move in and bring your furniture!!! Asking Only $229,000

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 14572 Porter Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $410,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,842 square feet. The price per square foot is $106.72.

SUNSET LAKES

The home at 13621 Sunset Lakes Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $390,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,822 square feet. The price per square foot is $138.20.

WINDWARD CAY

The home at 3621 Turningwind Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $345,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,678 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.83.

WINTERMERE HARBOR

The home at 13012 Lakeshore Grove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $381,355. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,652 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.80.

JUST LISTED!!!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR 5 ACRES, NO HOA AND A FABULOUS HOME??? LOOK NO FURTHER!!! Take a look at this great home with 4 bdrms. 3 baths, formal living/dining, family room, kitchen with breakfast nook, split bedroom plan, inside laundry room, covered screened large lanai, attached 2 car garage, huge metal building 3 roll up doors, perfect for a workshop, or a car enthusiast or a great MAN CAVE... Plus covered storage, and 2 storage container’s. The home has just been remodeled NEW PORCELIN TILE, KITCHEN HAS BEEN UPDATE WITH QUARTZ COUNTER TOPS, NEW OVEN/ COOKTOP, BATHROOMS UPDATED, NEW PLUMBING 2014, NEW WATER HEATER 2014. Electronic front gate. Great access to the 429,408 and turnpike. Asking Only $520,000

J SO US LD T !

GROVE PARK AT STONE CREST

Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,602 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.83.

JUST REDUCED $5,000

JUST LISTED!!! UNDER CONTRACT SAME DAY!

SAY HELLO, to this fantastic buy in TUSCANY!!! This 4 Bdrm. 2 Ba. beauty is waiting for a new home owner, this is a TRADITIONAL SALE, NOT a short sale or bank owned. No rear neighbors!!! Step inside to the impressive Travertine tile, throughout except for bedrooms and living room. This home features a formal living room and dining room, family room with wood burning fireplace, kitchen with breakfast nook, breakfast bar, pantry and all kitchen appliances stay! Inside laundry room, split bedroom plan, large master bedroom adjoined by master bath, garden tub, separate shower, his/her closets, dual sinks. Gorgeous screened lanai, sparkling pool, heated spa, open wood deck off of lanai, fenced yard. Asking only $294,900.

This is a rare find!!! 3 Bdrm. 2 Ba, split plan, living/ great room, kitchen, breakfast nook, inside laundry room, screened lanai, privacy fenced yard and 2 car garage. The home is like new!!! Just painted inside, new roof, new porcelain tile installed, new light fixtures in foyer, dining and breakfast nook. Kitchen has all new stainless steel appliances, range, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. New washer & dryer. Asking only $179,000.

PE SA ND LE IN G!

BLACK LAKE PARK

five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,266 square feet on 1.02 acres. The price per square foot is $180.40.

PE SA ND LE IN G!

baths and 3,777 square feet. The price per square foot is $91.91. The home at 2266 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $319,990. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,919 square feet. The price per square foot is $109.62. The home at 2033 Solar Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $285,990. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,065 square feet. The price per square foot is $138.49. The home at 2202 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $260,050. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,738 square feet. The price per square foot is $149.63.

UNDER CONTRACT IN 13 DAYS!

SHOWS LIKE A MODEL!!! 4 bdrm. 3ba with Foyer, formal living & dining, family rm, kitchen has 42’ cabinets, stainless steel appliances and all appliances stay! Inside laundry rm washer & dryer stays! This home is in immaculate condition, the beautiful landscaped yard is a fitting introduction to a SUPERB INTERIOR. Open floor plan, large breakfast area. Split bdrm plan, master is adjoined by master bath, garden tub, separate shower. The other 3 bedrooms are centered around the other 2 baths. Screened lanai, white privacy fenced yard. Paver driveway and 3 car garage!!! minutes away from downtown W.G., 408,429 & turnpike, walk to the W.O. Trail...Asking only $299,995.

ARE YOU READY TO BUILD???

VACANT LAND (2.28) ACRES!!! If you have been looking to build, take a look at this!!! No HOA!!! City water, city sewer. The property is ZONED R-NC/ RESIDENTIAL (RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD/ COMMERCIAL SINGLE/2 FAMILY/ with special exception could be school, church, etc. You can call city of Winter Garden for more information on usage. SELLER IS MOTIVATED AND WANTS TO LOOK AT ALL OFFER’S. Asking $175,000.

Micki Blackburn Realty, Inc.

450 East Highway 50, Suite 1• Clermont, FL 34711

352.459.4891 www.mickirealty.com OPEN HOUSE • MARCH 7TH & 8TH 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

17700 SEIDNER RD. WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787 • $269,900

Chain of lakes Executive Home $1,750,000

Located in the desirable Lake Avalon Rural Settlement. This home is on an elevated lot with beautiful long range views. Enjoy the Disney fireworks off of the front porch. 3/2 pool home on 5+/- acres. The detached workshop with electric and insulation is the perfect Man Cave! Enjoy the country atmosphere, but only minutes to the Winter Garden Village, Windermere, & Disney.

THE GATED COMMUNITY OF GREENGROVE ESTATES Short commute for the theme park worker

3/2 home built in 2013 is situated on 3.71 acres. HOA fee is only $189 per year! $239,900 Kathy Griner

Micki Blackburn Realty Inc. 450 E. Hwy 50, Ste. 1 Clermont, FL 34711 352.459.4891 www.mickirealty.com

Lot #30 Pompano Ct. 4.78 Acres wooded lot. Build anytime. 1800’ square foot minimum. Impact fees already paid! $68,000

Lot #70 Ocilla Loop 2.49 Acres cleared lot with some trees. Bring your own builder. $69,900

Kathy Griner Cell 352-459-4891 • Office 352-394-6611 Email kgrinermbr@gmail.com

6 bedroom & 6 bath with 10,500+ square feet of living on just under 5 acres. This luxury lakefront estate has 245’ of lake frontage. This home was designed to enjoy the lakeview from every part of the home. There are tray ceilings, travertine flooring, wood blinds throughout this home. The screened lanai/pool retreat is perfect for entertaining and features a spa, summer kitchen and a gas fireplace. Enjoy your own movie theatre. This is the original owner and they have spared absolutely no expense in building this home. Call today for your private showing. Annie Ragar Cell 352-267-6469 Email annieragar@gmail.Com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Here's My Card BUSINESS DIRECTORY TFN

5/7/15

ONE COMPANY, ONE CALL Everything from maid services, handyman repairs to household chores. • handyman • maid • painting • household repairs • home organization

Phone: 407-877-3841 Email: highlinecarsalesinc@gmail.com

00 COMPLETE

TFN

OIL SERVICE

Have clipper, will travel

With service message reset. Full synthetic (up to 7 quarts) and oil filter.

4/30/15

Mobile In-Home

Offer expires 3/31/15. Environmental, disposal fees and tax not included. Not valid with any other offer. This ad must be presented to receive this offer.

Call for a FREE quote! TruBlue of Orlando 6220 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Suite 195 Orlando, FL 32809 All employees bonded & insured

Dog Grooming

TO SCHEDULE AN APPT. TODAY CALL US AT

by Cara

407-877-3841

25 yrs. experience

We are your European/Foreign car auto Repair/Sales alternative dealer.

407-203-6000

407.450.2007 4/30/15

JP TREES AND LANDSCAPING, LLC

Cell 407-716-3010

John Freeman

Windsor Realty Group, Inc. 160 S. Main Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-877-FIND (3463) TFN

Owner/Operator

cell: 321-229-1958

Licensed and Insured

Bill Straugh Broker Associate

Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Landscape Installs FREE Estimates

5/15/15

www.TruBlueOrlando.Com

email: jptrees09@gmail.com

CRAWFORD TIRE SERVICE, INC.

5/7/15

TFN

110 Taylor St. • Ocoee • (407) 656-4575

MORE THAN JUST

TIRE VALUES

-FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED –

• Bridgetone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

407.296.9622 407.877.6268

www.gsairsystems.com email: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com Licensed & Insured - State License #CAC1814407

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential M/WBE Enterprise since 1980

407.656.8920

• •

Bobby Swindle, Jr. Owner

Call for a FREE estimate on Equipment Replacement. We offer financing with approved credit

SOD

• ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • SHOCKS • OIL & LUBE SERVICE • NEW & USED TIRES • REPAIR & BALANCING • ROAD SERVICE • WE INSTALL LIFTS!

Licensed & Bonded Licensed #RC29027533

MV03215

Mobil 1 Oil

FREE ESTIMATES

TFN

Amsoil Synthetic 5/14/15

FIRE TECH

EXTINGUISHER

SERVICE

Winter Garden Grassing Inc. Ph: 407-877-0709

Commercial Seeding and Sodding

Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes

• Residential Pick Up and Delivery

• Pine Straw • Seed • Bahia • St. Augustine • Bermuda • Zoysia • St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bahia by the piece

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

532 N. Bluford Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761 www.WinterGardenGrassing.com

TFN

4/30/15

Branch Manager

Residential • Commercial • Tile • Metal

1081 9th Street Winter Garden, FL 34787

10% OFF your rental

(407) 654-9516 Office (407) 491-0355 Mobile (407) 654-0145 Fax pcm050@sunbeltrentals.com

407.614.5962

Email: keithksj@cfl.rr.com Ocoee, FL 34761

sunbeltrentals.com

TRAYWICK'S GARAGE

TFN

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

Travis Hamric

Mention this ad for

TFN

407-656-1817

President CCC1325778

GO GREEN with nature’s best rodent controller, the CAT!

TFN

1045 S. Vineland Rd. •Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

Keith Keller

No more need for poison controls that harm the environment, people and farm animals. Join us in the Barn Cats program and help to make a difference.

For details call

407.522.2617

barncatsinfo@CareFelineTNR.org

& Service, Inc.

"Your Complete Service Center" 10 West Story Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 TFN

REG# MV-01095

Phone (407) 656-6646

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

Classifieds

CHECK OUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE @ WOTIMES.COM Call 407-656-2121 or email classifieds@wotimes.com

Subscribe today for $29.00 at subscribe@wotimes.com

010 ANNOUNCEMENTS

200 ITEMS FOR SALE

Rummage Sale Friday, March 6th, 8AM to 4PM. Stagestop Campground. Lots of goodies. 3/5bl

PUBLIC AUCTION. Headquarters of Body Central Corp. Tues, March 10 at 10am. 6225 Powers Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32217. Huge Sale! Vehicles, Forklifts, 50+ Offices consisting of furniture, office equipment, computers, laptops, IT equipment, warehouse items & much more! 15%-18%BP Live/Online. Assignment Case #16-2016-CA-000213-XXXX-MA www.moeckerauctions.com / (800) 840-BIDS AB-1098 AU3219, Eric Rubin fdan3/5

Woodlawn Memorial Park - $10,900. Two crypts and two crypt plates. Mausoleum Unit: 74 Elevation D. Crypts: 1 and 2. $10,900 for both crypts and crypt plates. 407-654-0724. 3/5kj

620 APARTMENT & DUPLEXES

040 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Free Downloadable E-Book. How to start your own online business. www.SunsetVistaGroupBooks.com 3/19tj

130 MEDICAL Attention Viagra Users! Viagra 100mg, Cialis 20mg. 40 pills + 4 FREE for only $99. No prescription needed! Discreet shipping. Call now 1-800-224-0305. 3/5fcan

160 GENERAL EMPLOYMENT DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Become a driver for Werner Enterprises. Earn $800 per week! Local CDL Training. 1-877-214-3624 3/5fcan Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! Receive Hands On Training And National Certifications Operating Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. Veteran Benefits Eligible! 1-866-912-0572 3/5fcan Professional House Cleaners. Busy maid service hiring asap. Weekdays, no nights. Top pay with bonus. Must pass background check. Call 407-810-4468 Leave Message. 3/5gg

For Sale: Dropleaf tables, Tea Cart, Drysink, Coffee Table, End Tables, Deacon Bench; Mirrors, TV Cabinet, File Cabinets, Lamps, Portable Dishwasher, and more. Call 407-718-2859. 3/12lt

WINTER GARDEN - 1BR $735, 2BR $785, 3BR $975 on Lake Apopka. Water/Sewer included. 407-656-7162. 9/25tfn

For Sale: New - never used: Craftsman 10" compound miter saw w/bench and Craftsman 6300 w/Generator. Call 407-718-2859. 3/12lt

700 HOMES FOR SALE FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH ONLINE. VISIT- WWW.FLORIDAONLINEHOMEVALUES.COM or Free Recorded Message 866-257-1598 Id# 1075. Offered by Mizz Realty Group. 3/26sm

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) Speed 2) Power 3) Moby Dick 4) Ludwig 5) Led Zeppelin. John Bonham

This week’s Sudoku answers

The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking applicants for various positions

240 GARAGE SALE Playpens, High chairs, Carseats, Cribs, Riding toys, Swings, Strollers, Walkers, Kids clothes, Gates, Pottys. Babylady 407-731-4248. 3/12bl Large slide $14.95, Toybox $9.95, Crib with mattress $39.95, Walker $12.95, Stroller $14.95. Babylady 407-731-4248 3/12bl

Job descriptions and applications are available online.

www.wintergarden-fl.gov

Saucer $9.95, Umbrella stroller $2.95. Mens table $1 each item. 25 cent baby clothes. Babylady 407-731-4248 3/12bl Huge Rummage Sale - Saturday, March 7th, 7am to 1pm. First United Methodist Church, 125 N Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden. 407-656-1135. 3/5sh Professional Housecleaning. Now hiring individuals with your own reliable, insured vehicle. Pay starts at $10/hr+gas reimbursement + bonus programs + PTO. Be in good physical condition, high energy, speak/read eng, follow our driving directions. M-F, available 8:15 to 5 p.m. Experience in this industry. No criminal history. Over 21. Call after 9 a.m., 407-877-7738. 3/19nk

Phone: Fax:

407-656-4111

407-877-2795

The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This week’s Crossword answers

Help Wanted. Book keeping, light house keeping, Quickbooks a must. Part time, very flexible. Call Terry 407-739-8162. 3/5tg Oakland Park Community Porch Sale - Sales throughout community. Sat March 14 8a-2p. Maps & list of sales will be at Sales Center 15241 E. Oakland Ave, Winter Garden. 3/12kt

NEW ORLEANS CHARTER SCHOOL TEACHER FAIR Saturday, March 14, 9am-1pm Hynes Charter School 990 Harrison Ave, NOLA 70124 P r e - r e g i s t e r n o w : www.eastbankcollaborative.com fdan3/5

NOW PURCHASING

WELDING CAREERS - Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 877-206-4006 fdan3/5

BATTERIES

SCRAP

13178 W. Colonial Dr

Winter Garden

407-656-3495

S.E. Dollen, LLC.

Winter Garden longest established electrical contractor serving Central FL since 1983. All Service Techs are LICENSED Journeymen and Master Electricians. For professional results and competitive rates

call 407-656-5818 EC 13001719

2015

CHURCH DIRECTORY BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus:

“FOUNDATION WORSHIP”

Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH 611 West. Ave., Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 Email: starkelakebaptist@gmail.com

CATHOLIC RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH

1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd. Winter Garden. 407-656-3113

CHRISTIAN WEST ORANGE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1450 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407-656-2770 www.cocwo.com

To advertise in the Church Directory please call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@wotimes.com CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LAKES, USA

Conroy-Windermere Rd. @ Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 407-291-2886 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits www.pcol.org

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION

4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Blue Christmas Service: Dec. 21, 4pm Christmas Eve Services: 5, 7 & 11pm www.fumcwg.org 407-656-1135

PRESBYTERIAN

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

RAIN

WEST ORANGE

(INCHES)

WEATHER

TUES.

Feb. 24

0.76

WED.

TEMPERATURES

Feb. 25

0.63

Thurs., March 5 Fri., March 6 Sat., March 7 Sun., March 8 Mon., March 9 Tues., March 10 Wed., March 11

THURS. Feb. 26

0.00

FRI.

Feb. 27

0.00

SAT.

Feb. 28

0.00

SUN.

March 1

0.01

MON.

March 2

0.00

MARCH

TO DATE .01

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015

HIGH 86 68 77 73 79 77 80

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Thurs., March 5 Fri., March 6 Sat., March 7 Sun., March 8 Mon., March 9 Tues., March 10 Wed., March 11

FRI.

SUNRISE 6:48 a.m. 6:47 a.m. 6:46 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 7:44 a.m. 7:42 a.m. 7:41 a.m.

SAT.

SUNSET 6:28 p.m. 6:29 p.m. 6:29 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:31 p.m. 7:31 p.m. 7:32 p.m.

SUN.

LOW 63 61 59 58 61 64 65

MOON PHASES

March 5

March 13

(2014: .31) March 20

YEAR

TO DATE

8.84 (2014: 5.27)

HIGH

LOW

67 51

73 59

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

March 27

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an esteemed musician. Using the hints A=E and X=D, decipher the clues to name the musician.

1. L R A A X 2. R Y K A N 3. J Y V C X W B Q 4. U E X K W T 5. U A X H A R R A U W M This musician owned many drum kits but preferred the one with green sparkle:

SUDOKU

Randy Free submitted this stunning photograph of a sunset on Lake Apopka.

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

CROSSWORD A T-OUGH PUZZLE by Richard Auer ACROSS 1 Witches’ brews 8 Hangs on a line 13 Rapscallion 18 Be a resident of 19 “The Treasure of the ___ Madre” 20 Recorded books, e.g. 22 Like the king of the jungle 23 Cargo ship 24 TV type 25 Balloon filler 26 Albatross, e.g. 28 Remove, as from office 30 Bleacher creature 31 Hoopster’s ref-baiting move 33 With cunning (var.) 34 Plane-swatting King 36 General helper 37 Chimney parts 39 Bit of body art, slangily 40 Much in demand 43 Sales meeting diagrams 45 Novels have them 46 Some strands in a cell 47 Buddy-buddy 48 End the business day 49 Less delicate 53 Deep voices 54 Throat-soothing lozenge 56 Lennon’s bride 57 Carpet layer’s calculation 58 Campus building, for short 59 “___ got it!” 60 Ballerina’s garment 61 Kind of exam or history 62 Batman alter ego Bruce 63 Old King and Nat King 65 Makes a mistake 66 They’re not good to be behind 67 Bart Simpson is one 68 “Stop!” 69 Big John’s way out 70 Circle segment 71 Stereotypical snacks for cops 75 They save the day 77 Oil-rich land80 Court hearings 81 Satellite radio giant 82 Big-eared equine 83 Barfly 84 Honoring, in a way 85 Engaged in disorderly play 89 Car-grille covering 90 Fred’s wife on “I Love Lucy” 93 Persuade 94 Combatant or contestant 95 Cat chatter 97 Slender woodwind 98 Cosmetic safety org. 99 Castle’s waterway 101 Places for taking off 103 Electronics giant, once 104 Auto assembly-line add-on 106 2002 animated movie 109 Certain Native American homes 111 Pain-loving person 112 Where to pull the plug

113 Cast a spell over 114 Tibetan monks 115 Scrawny chicken parts 116 Has a dwelling 1 Eastern dish of meat and rice (var.) 2 Playwright Eugene 3 It follows a warrant showing 4 “At Seventeen” singer Janis 5 “The Mikado” sashes 6 Dressed to the ___ 7 Cat-footed8 “Dear” book 9 Split apart 10 Aggravate 11 Before, back and forth 12 Island wear 13 Easy marks 14 Unorthodox sect 15 Org. on toothpaste tubes 16 Maladjusted person 17 Fragrant hair dressing 19 Long-legged shore bird 21 Comparatively rational 27 Partiality 29 “That’s disgusting!”

32 Careful examinations 34 ___ ball (hot toy of 1988) 35 Revealed, in slang 36 Worshipper’s distance? 38 “It’s all the ___ to me” 40 Maneuver through the mud 41 Figures of speech 42 Santa ___, Calif. 44 Prime-time hrs. 45 Bird of paradise feature 47 Italian marble 48 Succotash ingredient 49 A “shalt not” 50 It’s made by a long fermentation 51 Contest submissions 52 Awakens suddenly 53 Tropical African tree 54 Aquatic rodent 55 Brooks 58 Matt of Hollywood 60 Attack aggressively 62 Somewhat broad 63 Grasshopper’s trill 64 Feed-bag contents 72 Christmas dinner bird 73 “Active” start

74 “No ___ to apologize” 75 Single or homer, e.g. 76 Lake bordering Buffalo 78 Rush furiously, as a river 79 Campfire remnant 81 Salt source 83 The price of education 84 ___ A to Z 85 Starched and pleated collars 86 Severe experience 87 It’s south of South Sudan 88 Women’s reproductive cells 89 Special Forces headwear 91 Epoch when mammals appeared 92 Minimal amounts 95 Wizards 96 ___ of the crime 99 Clifflike, flat-topped elevation 100 Food for Fido 101 Type of daytime show 102 Min. fractions 105 Lacking brightness 107 Conductor’s signal 108 And so forth (abbr.) 110 ___ Beta Kappa