03.17.16 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

Seniors lead Dr. Phillips High’s track and field team. See page 19

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Referendum rejected Town of Windermere voters rebuffed a proposal to take up to a $4.2 million loan to upgrade the town’s facilities. Voters also elected Al Pichon to the Windermere Town Council. Story on page 3.

Meet MetroWest Elementary’s pintsized paradiddlers.

PAGE 9A

ON GUARD

The Olympia High School Winter Guard will participate in the Winter Guard International competition on Saturday. See story on page 4.

YOUR TOWN School to host first 5K Registration is now open for Keene’s Crossing Elementary School’s first Family 5K and Health Fair. The run will take place at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at the school, 5240 Keene’s Pheasant Drive, Horizon West. Wristband pick-up begins at 7 a.m., and the 5K will follow at 7:30 a.m. Families will be able to enjoy a Health Fair before and after the run/ walk. Proceeds from the event will benefit the school’s Accelerated Reader, iReady and STEM programs; covers for the school’s playgrounds; and other school needs. Race fee is $15 for students and $20 for others before April 1. Those prices increase by $5 from April 2 to 20. All participants receive a T-shirt and medal. To register for the 5K, visit bit.ly/1MlGS5z.

This season, the Olympia High School Winter Guard performs “Xtra Terrestrial” — a celestial, outer space-themed show.

Jennifer Nesslar

“It’s a different style of show than most in our division. It’s more upbeat, it’s more kind of in-your-face and playful. It’s not the stereotypical ‘pretty’ that tends to override this class.” — Olympia High School Winter Guard Director Zachary Morgan

Surgery for sight

INTRODUCING JOURNALISM X

Keene’s Crossing teacher Angela Anderson is raising funds and awareness for her son’s rare eye disease. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER HORIZON WEST Courtesy photo

Kacey Wagner hopes his corneal collagen cross-linking surgery restores his vision. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Postal Customer

What started out as blurred vision for 18-year-old Kacey Wagner culminated Tuesday in a surgery called corneal collagen cross-linking. Wagner, the son of Keene’s Crossing Elementary secondgrade teacher Angela Anderson, originally was diagnosed with a cataract in his right eye two years

ago at age 16. He was at a routine physical and the realization that something was wrong with his vision came when the doctor tested his eyesight. “The doctor covered one eye, and Kacey said, ‘I can’t see anything,’ and I about had a heart attack,” Anderson said. “We took him to a pediatric ophthalmoloSEE KACEY PAGE 6

See the West Orange world through the eyes of journalism students at Florida Film Academy.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

YOU R CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

WEST ORANGE WOMEN LUNCHEON 11 a.m. Thursday, March 17, at Orange Tree Country Club, 7540 Woodgreen Drive, Orlando. There will be a fashion show courtesy of Dress Barn. Cost is $25. To RSVP, contact dotansel@aol.com or (407) 258-8155 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELTIC FESTIVAL 11 a.m. Thursday, March 17, through 11 p.m. Friday, March 19, at the Crooked Can Brewing Company, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Large beer garden, Celtic food, Highland games, live Celtic music, vendors and more. The Celtic rock band Off Kilter will be headlining. (407) 395-9520.

SHAMROCKS! 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Do you have the luck of the Irish? Have a legendary good time with crafts, stories and leprechaun fun. Ages 6-12. (407) 835-7323. ST. BALDRICK’S CHARITY EVENT 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Crooked Can in the Plant Street Market, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The Winter Garden Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 4947 is hosting the benefit for the St. Baldrick’s organization, which helps funds the fight against childhood cancer. Participants will have their heads shaved to show solidarity with children battling cancer. To donate to the participants prior to the event, go to stbaldricks.org/ events/WinterGarden2016. Donations can be made at the event, as well. For information, contact jeffjustice42@yahoo. com or (407) 927-7350.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

CONTROL FREAK 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere. Visit windermere.dexwine. com. GROOVE AT THE GROVE 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Windermere’s The Grove, 4750-4757 The Grove Drive,

Orlando. Entertainer Craig Singleton will perform music from the Big Band era to today’s hits. A game truck will provide onsite video games for families. The event continues through May with free live concerts, movies and more on the third Friday of the month. Visit thegroveorlando.com. TENEBRAE SERVICE 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. The choir will perform a cappella inspirational choral classics as part of “Tenebrae,” a dramatic service of prayer and music as part of the concert series. The singers in the choir are all professional musicians in the Orlando area and are under the direction of Dr. William Picher. All are welcome to this event; no tickets are necessary. For more information, visit maryqueenoftheuniverse.org/concerts/ or call (407) 239-6600.

DINO, ELVIS AND RICKY NELSON 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere. Visit windermere. dexwine.com. TEENS PRO-ACTIVE DRIVING SCHOOL 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 19, and Sunday, March 20, at Manheim Orlando, 11801 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Free training to help teens improve driving skills and confidence. Register at PutOnTheBRAKES.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

NEIL ZIRCONIA: A SPARKLING TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Tickets are $18 for

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 CELTIC SOUNDS ON THE PLAZA 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the downtown Winter Garden gazebo, Plant Street. Enjoy Celtic music by McIntyre. 407-656-4111.

general admission; $15 for JCC Members; and $10 for Chai Steppers. (407) 387-5330 or rosenjcc.org/zirconia.

MONDAY, MARCH 21

SCIENCE TOTS 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 21, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Science Tots introduces basic STEM concepts while having fun and making exciting discoveries. Ages 3-5. Registration recommended by calling (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

MAGIC & MAYHEM 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. (407) 835-7323.

The FACES of Heart Failure • Fatigue • Activities Limited • Chest congestion • Edema or ankle swelling • Shortness of breath

Trust your HEART to the Cardiovascular Team of Experts Close to Home at Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital

Connect to health at

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Surviving the Fire

Windermere rejects $4.2 million loan

Thousands of dollars have been donated to Jamee Gilson following a fire that destroyed her home.

Voters also elected Al Pichon to the Town Council March 15.

AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE COMMUNITY EDITOR WINTER GARDEN West

Orange High School teacher Jamee Gilson has experienced plenty of tragedies in the last 16 years. Her husband died unexpectedly in 2002, and then two years later, several damaging hurricanes swept across Central Florida, destroying the home Gilson shared with her son and daughter. Then, on Monday, March 7, fire swept through her Lake County home just after she had fallen asleep around 10:30 p.m. Although no people were injured, one family pet died, a car was burned, and the house was deemed unlivable. Gilson is a sophomore AP Language and English Honors teacher this year. She has shaped countless lives in the classroom during her 23 years at WOHS, and many of those former students are now showing their gratitude in the way of monetary donations to their beloved teacher. In the last 10 days, more than 130 people — including students past and present, parents, fellow teachers and strangers — have reached out to assist Gilson. A YouCaring account was set up after the fire, and within days the $5,000 goal was surpassed. As of press time, the amount was greater than $6,100. “Ms. Gilson has affected so many Warriors in a positive way over 20-plus years at West Orange that it only seems fitting that we are able to give back to her,” Principal Douglas Szcinski said. “She is an amazing teacher, and her community is able to show her that in her time of need.” Gilson said she has been overwhelmed by the support and the comments people have left for her on the crowdsourcing site. “I can’t even tell you how absolutely humbled this makes me feel,” she said. “I’m one of those people who, I don’t take or accept help well because my role, as far as I’m concerned, is I’m the one who’s supposed to help people. That’s just my nature.” UP IN FLAMES

Gilson had been asleep less than an hour when she heard her smoke detector going off, a banging noise on her window and a popping sound coming from her porch. She assumed it was her children either playing around on the porch or burning something in the kitchen. It was neither. She learned later that a neighbor had been at her window trying to wake her. The fire originated with a surge protector on the porch of Gilson’s manufactured home. A nearby Rubbermaid storage shed containing chemicals such as weed killer exacerbated the flames, which destroyed the porch, a bathroom and the kitchen. What

HOW TO HELP Monetary donations made to Jamee Gilson will be put toward a down payment on another manufactured home. They can be made at youcaring.com/jameegilson-535506.

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER

Amy Quesinberry Rhode

A gaping hole in the roof above Jamee Gilson’s kitchen exposes her house to the elements. Her grandmother’s tea cup collection was broken.

fire didn’t damage, the smoke and water did. Some sentimental items did make it through unscathed, including her great-greatgrandmother’s coffee grinder and a wooden music box her grandfather gave her. A majority of Gilson’s photographs were saved, too, as were some of her son’s and daughter’s childhood artwork. Most of her cast-iron furniture is filthy but otherwise reusable. She was able to retrieve some of her clothes, as well. She is amused that all of her “The Walking Dead” stuff made it. This includes a framed print of Norman Reedus, who plays Darryl Dixon, and a leather purse with the actor’s likeness on it. “The strap burned, but the handles are OK, and my wallet is OK, and that’s a huge thing to not have to replace all that stuff,” Gilson said. “We laughed; Darryl is protecting the house.” Gilson had inherited her grandmother’s china cup collection and was sad to see it ruined. Even more devastating, though, is her son’s terrier, Silver, perished in the smoke-filled house. She is grateful to the firefighters who performed CPR on the little dog in an attempt to revive her. A glass tank that housed two pet rats, Emmy and Aeri, exploded, and Gilson hopes they ran off. Another dog, Juliette, and a cat, Belle, escaped uninjured. FORGING AHEAD

Gilson did not have homeowners insurance on this house, which she bought with a disaster loan she received after the hurricanes destroyed the previous one. She is still repaying the loan, which will make funding a new house more difficult. Repairing the home is

“It just makes me realize that I am making a difference – sometimes you get to the point where you don’t know anymore, but then something like this happens. People I don’t know, perfect strangers (are donating).” — Jamee Gilson

not an option. “Half of the house is a skylight,” Gilson said. She hopes to put a down payment on a used manufactured home with the money the community is donating. Lindsay Konradt, another West Orange teacher, set up the YouCaring account. “I spoke with Jamee today, and she is overwhelmed by your outpouring of love and support for her during this time,” Konradt wrote to donors. “We wanted to set a modest goal for our fundraising, but know that Jamee will need resources for a long time. So hopefully we can continue to rally. … This is an amazing community and school, and we wholeheartedly thank you for your continued support.” While Gilson continues to clean up the property and make plans to have the house demolished, she and her pets are staying with a friend in Groveland.

Her son and daughter-in-law, who were living with her, will stay with relatives. “We have been so blessed and so fortunate,” Gilson said. She said people have offered clothing and kitchen accessories, but she has nowhere to put them. Monetary donations are the most beneficial right now for helping Gilson get back on her feet. “My neighbors, everyone’s been so wonderful, my friends at school,” she said. “I get text messages from the kids, from my friends, and then, of course, that fund is blowing my mind. Once they graduate, you don’t hear from them again for a while, and it’s just as heartening to see my current students on that list. And then to see my former students checking in and donating money, it’s indescribable. “It just makes me realize that I am making a difference – sometimes you get to the point where you don’t know anymore, but then something like this happens,” Gilson said. “People I don’t know, perfect strangers (are donating).” Karen Carroll Riley, Gilson’s mother, also commented: “She is so deeply touched by the outpouring of love and good wishes extended to her by friends, family and especially by those she has never met.” Gilson is thankful she had upto-date batteries in her smoke detector and said she hopes residents who don’t have one will call the local fire department. “They will come out and put them in for free,” she said. “Get smoke detectors. I can’t even tell you how necessary that is.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@orangeobserver.com.

Although Windermere residents at Town Hall meetings hosted by Town Manager Robert Smith generally agreed the town’s police, administrative and public works facilities needed upgrades, opinions on permitting Windermere Town Council to approve a town loan up to $4.2 million varied. That variance proved decisive in Windermere’s referendum vote March 15, when 639 (49.73%) voted against allowing town officials to approve such a loan, as opposed to 597 (46.46%) voting in favor, per unofficial Orange County Elections results. “If not now, then when?” asked Mayor Gary Bruhn — who ran unopposed to clinch a seventh two-year term as mayor — at the final Town Hall meeting. Smith had assured residents funding the project would not affect taxes. Also included in possibilities were added parking, increased space for the 1887 schoolhouse, improvements to streets and adding basketball courts. This vote was based on Section 49 of the Windermere Charter, which states only by a vote of town citizens may the town incur nonemergency debt exceeding 12.5% of the general operating budget. Smith said this would mean the need for town approval on any loan greater than $600,000, and the Charter Review Committee has examined this policy. The loan would have been spread through 30 years with a figure in the low six digits part of each year’s budget, Smith said. The public would have had input at each step via charettes, committees and public hearings at which the Town Council ultimately would have decided. Deficiencies, code violations and critters abound in current police, administrative and public works facilities. PICHON ELECTED TO COUNCIL

Although John Armstrong held his seat on the Town Council to begin a third term, Richard Gonzalez did not win a third term from Windermere voters. Al Pichon garnered 613 votes (23.85%) as the only challenger to incumbents Armstrong and Gonzalez. Armstrong received 633 votes (25.80%), whereas just 391 (15.21%) voted for Gonzalez. “I want each of our residents to know how much I appreciate their votes and their support,” Pichon said. “I am serious about improving the town and the processes we have in place, and I will be asking for advice and inputs. I believe my role is to listen, get the facts together, create a consensus and then make clear and unambiguous decisions to benefit our community.” Pichon will formally swear in for a two-year term at the April 12 Town Council meeting. Turnout was 54.35%, versus 12.65% last year; 1,280 voted among 2,355 eligible voters. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

FLAG

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Celestial spins

WINDERMERE

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

To spin a flag, it is essential to get an understanding of the weight distribution of the flag. The silk and the flag will follow your lead if you understand where the weight is.

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers

RIFLE

Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com

A rifle is a solid block of wood, so it is essential that you build up the muscles in your hands to be able to execute a spin. It’s also important to pay attention while you are spinning.

Zak Kerr, zkerr@OrangeObserver.com Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Bill Carter, bcarter@OrangeObserver.com Kim Edwards, kedwards@OrangeObserver. com Cyndi Gustafson, Jennifer Nesslar

advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER SOUTHWEST ORANGE Eerie music

SABRE When spinning a sabre, it’s important to release the weapon on the left side of your body and to catch the sabre on the tape.

IF YOU GO WGI SOUTHEASTERN COLOR GUARD COMPETITION WHEN: March 19 to 20; Olympia performs at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19. WHERE: CFE Arena, 50 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando TICKETS: $17 preliminaries; $20 finals; $32 combo

plays as the 13 members of the Olympia High School Winter Guard come out in black socks that cover their bodies from head to toe. But once the lyrics start, the guard emerges to reveal their costumes — aliens. Senior Riko Sagara has been on the guard all four years at Olympia, but the “Xtra Terrestrial” show is her favorite. “It’s creepy with sass and attitude,” said. “I feel like I can relate to this show the most, honestly. These type of things interest me in general. I’m the type of person (who) likes murder mysteries and all those creepy kind of things.” The show mixes Katy Perry’s “E.T.” with the X-Files theme song, mixing attitude with an out-of-this-world feel. The familiarity of the music has related to viewers, Sagara said. Because it’s not a typical Winter Guard show, it stands out. “It’s a different style of show

than most in our division,” said director Zachary Morgan. “It’s more upbeat, it’s more kind of inyour-face and playful. It’s not the stereotypical ‘pretty’ that tends to override this class.” The flashiness of the show doesn’t taper off after the beginning. The show concludes with a flag feature, where all the members of the guard begin spinning flags close together, adding to the performance value of the show, according to sophomore Diamond Bennett. “That’s like the final statement of our show,” Bennett said. COMPETITIVE SPIRIT

Color guard is a well-known component to marching band season, which takes place during the fall. But Winter Guard is a lesser-known activity that nonetheless requires dedication from its members during the winter season. At a Winter Guard competition, performers take the floor independent of the other pieces of a marching band. Like a marching

band show, the show has wellplanned choreography and a unique theme with costumes and a custom floor tarp. On March 19, the guard competes in the Winter Guard International Southeastern Color Guard Championship at the CFE Arena. The competition will bring together schools from across the Southeastern region, some that the guard has not competed against yet. “I want to see the guards that are in classes above us,” said junior Imani Somner, who is in her first year. “We’re in a really good class, but the classes above us have really awesome shows, and they have really good performance, so that’s always fun to see. It is really nice seeing people when they stick their catches; it’s really cool because then you feel taken aback because all their hard work paid off and you know they feel good.” Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

Three local charter schools renewed Hope, Legacy and Montessori of Winter Garden charter schools received 15-year contracts. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER WEST ORANGE COUNTY The

tandem of Hope Charter School and Legacy Charter High School celebrates its 15th anniversary this August in Ocoee. But school personnel recently celebrated 15 more years via a contract renewal with Orange County Public Schools, approved at the March 8 School Board meeting. The same goes for Montessori of Winter Garden Charter School, which opened in August 2011. “Obviously, it is a great privilege and joy to have been deemed worthy to receive another 15-year charter term,” Crystal Yoakum, CEO of Hope and Legacy, said. “It is our goal to look at the possibility of replicating, since our waiting lists indicate an interest in our schools from community members.”

Sherilyn Moore, president of the MWGCS Board of Directors, said earning renewal when officials visited on Jan. 21 was an effort of the entire MWGCS community. “Parents … shared their stories about when their kid jumps in the car and says, ‘That was the best day ever!’ six days in a row,” Moore said. “The kids, too, they just beam when they talk about their school. They have such joy and pride.” Hope and Legacy combine to serve about 459 students in grades kindergarten to eight and 171 students in grades nine to 12, respectively. MWGCS has a student population of about 250 in grades kindergarten to eight. OCPS officials determined all three schools directly support two School Board strategic goals: intense focus on student achievement and efficient operations.

REZONES APPROVED

With the basis of zones recommended in its Jan. 28 rule development workshop, the School Board finalized two West Orange County relief school zones. The relief high school on Winter Garden-Vineland Road will inherit most of West Orange High’s current territory, limiting West Orange High to Oakland, most of Winter Garden and bits of Ocoee and unincorporated Orange County. All seven School Board members present March 8 approved this rezone. The other rezone will shift the borders of Dr. Phillips, MetroWest, Palm Lake, Windermere and Windy Ridge elementary zones, based on a new elementary school near MetroWest Elementary. The only School Board member present who voted against this rezone was Chairman Bill Sublette. Both new schools are scheduled to open in August 2017.

HIGH SCHOOLS’ SPORTS SAFETY RECOGNIZED

All 19 OCPS high schools — including Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, Olympia and West Orange — received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School award. This award focuses on care, injury prevention and treatment. To qualify, athletic programs must: have a positive health care administrative system, coordinate physicals before participation, maintain appropriate facilities and equipment for activity and injury treatment, strategize about injury prevention, address injuries, rehearse emergency actions, offer psychosocial and nutritional counseling and ensure athletes’ and parents’ education of the potential responsibilities and outcomes of sports. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Andrés Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

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

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

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

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

District: Construction of Lakeside Village school ahead of schedule Orange County Public Schools also announced Myrlene Kimble as the school’s first principal. Parents and students are asked to help select a school name. “I’m just excited to be here. They have welcomed me into the community, and it’s been a wonderful experience so far.” — Myrlene Kimble, relief elementary school principal

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER

Construction on the relief elementary school set to open in August in Lakeside Village is on schedule. Orange County Public Schools holds 40% construction meetings when construction is roughly 40% complete on the school properties, but the March 7 meeting regarding construction on the relief school announced that construction is 55% done. “This project is just moving so fast that we’re actually at 55% complete,” said Lauren Roth, senior manager of facilities communications. The construction team completed the roof and windows in late February, and the exterior painting and interior work is still in progress. The site is designed to minimize traffic from overflowing into the street, as the property can hold 275 cars before backing up off the property. “We’re really excited about getting this school up,” said Roth. “Horizon West is one of our most majorly-growing areas, and they’re just booming. We’re building schools out there as fast as we can. And so it’s exciting to see another school coming on up.” HORIZON WEST

MEET THE PRINCIPAL

OCPS introduced the school’s principal, Myrlene Kimble, at the meeting. Kimble was principal at Endeavor Elementary for nearly five years, until she was appointed to become principal at Catalina Elementary, where she served for three-and-one-half years. Becoming principal at the new school allows Kimble to achieve her dream of wanting to open a school. “My passion is always student achievement, and I think my record shows that I’ve always done well with increasing student achievement,” Kimble said. She is working to create a school with a growth mindset, where children are able to grow both academically and as people and be able to learn from mistakes. At Endeavor and Catalina, she enjoyed working with families who attended the school to promote student learning, and she sees a great opportunity to work with families in Horizon West. “When I look at how this area is booming, I’m really interested in being part of a community school,” she said. She already feels that she is part of the community. “I’m just excited to be here,”

Courtesy photo

The progress on the elementary school. This aerial photo was taken at the end of January.

who is helping to launch the PTO at the new elementary school. The PTO is still looking for input on the names. If your child will attend the elementary school next year, you can vote for the name you prefer: bit.ly/21l61UR. Students who will attend the new school next year also will have the opportunity to vote on a name while at school. The parents plan to take the poll to the School Board, which ultimately decides the name, and will vote on a name in April.

she said. “They have welcomed me into the community, and it’s been a wonderful experience so far.” THE NAME GAME

The names are being considered for the new school: Bay Lake Elementary, Silver Lake Elementary and Horizon Elementary. Bay Lake is a recognizable lake in the area, while Silver Lake is the name of the street the school is on. Horizon Elementary gives a nod to Horizon West, the area in which the school is located. Right now, the names Bay Lake and Silver Lake are both the leading names, said Tammy Forrester,

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

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gist, who said it was a cataract, probably from trauma to the eye. (The ophthalmologist) said (because) he was only 16, it’s not an emergency, but come back when he was 18 and he can have the surgery.” But after Wagner moved to Sebring a year ago to live with his father, he went back to see another eye doctor, who said he was misdiagnosed. “They called me and the doctor said he didn’t have a cataract, it was keratoconus,” Anderson said. “I was told there is no cure; there’s nothing you can do except get a cornea transplant. It freaked me out because he was only 18.” They went for a second opinion, and it was confirmed that Wagner had keratoconus, a progressive eye disease that thins the normally round cornea and bulges it into a cone-like shape. The cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on the way to the retina, which causes blurred and distorted vision. Currently, Wagner has severe coning in his right eye and also some in the left. “It’s weird because I’ve noticed it getting worse … over time,” Wagner said. “It’s kind of weird because I can see far (away), but it’s blurry, and I can tell my vision isn’t good. I can’t read stuff far away. I don’t see details. Nothing’s really crisp anymore. It’s annoying because I can’t focus on things in class.” The cross-linking procedure involves applying liquid riboflavin — or vitamin B2 — to the surface of the eye, which is followed by

controlled application of ultraviolet light, to eliminate the corneal bulging. After the procedure, Wagner will get fitted for a special, hard contact lens that will “hug” his eye and improving his vision. He also will use special eye drops for a month afterward. The procedure has the potential to stop the keratoconus from progressing, but it cannot reverse what has already been done. Cross-linking is common in other countries — but very few doctors in the United States will perform the procedure, because it is not FDA-approved. For that reason, it’s also not covered by insurance. The procedure will cost $2,500 per eye, and that amount doesn’t include the contacts or eye drops. “It’s frustrating because, had he been diagnosed two years ago, his sight wouldn’t be this bad,” Anderson said. “When you’re misdiagnosed with something like this, as a mother, I’m upset with myself for not getting a second opinion.” Under the suggestion of a friend, Anderson created a GoFundMe page to raise money for Wagner’s medical costs. At press time, the campaign had raised $775 of the $5,000 goal. “I wish more people were aware

Courtesy photo

“I hope it works. I’m kind of nervous, but I hope I can see how I used to see.” — Kacey Wagner

of this — even though it’s rare, it’s out there and it targets teenagers,” Anderson said. “We’re hoping this works and to let people know that this exists and not all doctors know about it. My main focus is to save what (vision) he has now before he loses all of it.” “I hope it works,” Wagner said. “I’m kind of nervous, but I hope I can see how I used to see.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

HOW TO HELP To donate to Kacey’s Medical Fund, visit gofundme.com/cthgfmhg FOR MORE INFORMATION Cross-Linking: allaboutvision.com/conditions/corneal-crosslinking.htm National Keratoconus Foundation: nkcf.org WebMD: webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-keratoconus

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Olympia High history teacher David Lovely recently won the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Teacher of the Year award for Orange County.

machine” history museum of sorts in the back of his classroom, which contains artifacts ranging from the Civil War — where the class begins each year — to modern times. Some of the artifacts are more than 100 years old. At each era along the way, items are passed around, and in a way the students get to go back in time. Members of DAR have to trace their lineage back to someone who fought in the Revolutionary War, and the organization delves into that link of history on a daily basis. For Lovely, that is part of what makes the award so special. “Part of the prestige is that they deal with my very subject,” he said. For Lovely to win the award, he first had to be nominated. Then, he had to receive letters of recommendation not only from school administrators but also from former and current students. He was first nominated by a mother of a former student. “She said that he still talks about that history class today and he was getting ready to vote in an upcoming local election,” Lovely said. “(She told me) he went

through the process of researching the candidates and everything they stand for. I try to teach the kids to vote intelligently.” Olympia High Assistant Principal Nick Zambri and Social Studies Department Chair Chris Conrad both wrote to DAR expressing their recommendation for Lovely to receive the award. Now, Lovely will join winners from the other Florida counties to compete for the DAR’s statewide award. That winner then will represent Florida in the nationwide competition at DAR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. And although the award shows Lovely his work does not go unnoticed, the real prize for him is getting students to understand and care about history. “Every day that we do something, we are literally the ones creating history,” he said. “I always tell them, ‘What type of history do you want the next generation to be learning about?’ and ‘Do you want to have a positive or negative influence on it?’” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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Olympia High School teacher David Lovely not only is teaching students about history, but also, he is making some, as well. Lovely recently won lineagebased history organization Daughters of the American Revolution’s Teacher of the Year award for Orange County. The award is bestowed upon deserving history teachers who go above and beyond with their teaching methods and getting students involved in the learning process. Lovely, who holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education (social studies) from Florida International University, has taught in Orlando for 14 years. He spent four years at Memorial Middle, one year at Cypress Creek High and is now in his ninth year teaching American history at Olympia High. “I just always found (history) fascinating, that we can look back now and say, ‘Why did this particular person do this?’” Lovely said. “I always wanted to find that answer. The only way to do that is to go back in history and see what they saw at the time.” In fact, over the last three years, he has assembled a “time

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Fashion for a cause

Same Excellent Care, Brand New Location

Windermere Preparatory School will host its first Love, Peace & Fashion Show at Bloomingdale’s Saturday.

Dr. Susan Hill is Now Practicing at Florida Hospital Winter Garden

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The third floor of Bloomingdale’s at Mall of Millenia will turn into a runway for a few hours Saturday, March 19, with Windermere Preparatory School students and teachers as models. Windermere Prep Volunteer Association’s first Love, Peace & Fashion Show event will have 30 WPS students of all ages and six WPS teachers showcase Bloomingdale’s spring collections, fashion-show style, as guests cheer them on. The event begins at 1 p.m. with a silent auction and VIP reception. The Capital Grille will serve hors d’oeuvres and refreshments to guests, and Nothing Bundt Cakes will bring along some of its confectionaries. The silent auction will end at about 2:30 p.m., with the fashion show to follow. Seating is limited and on a firstcome, first-served basis. Elsa de Lemos, chairwoman for the event, said one of the primary objectives for the WPVA is to build community, not only between the school and Central Florida area but also between the school’s students. Because students are often divided by lower-, middle- and high-school classes, de Lemos said it can be difficult to bring them together. “It’s hard to make them do things together, and in this case, we are having kids from lower-, middle- and high-schools mod-

eling,” de Lemos said. “We will have teachers modeling as well, and it’s been perfect because it brings them all together.” Tickets were on sale for $25 each until March 4, and Bloomingdale’s will donate 10% of all sales instore to the WPVA. All collected proceeds will go back to benefit the WPS students, staff and families through the WPVA’s various events, such as the school carnival, father-daughter dance and teacher appreciation breakfasts and lunches. Event sponsors include Schellman (formerly BrightLine), Casabella at Windermere, The Bar Method (Orlando-Dr. Phillips) and Royal Cypress Preserve. “I think it’s going to be very nice that all the kids will work together and help each other at the show, even if it’s a 6-year-old helping a teenager,” de Lemos said. “It’s nice to have a few hours to help each other in the community.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

LOVE, PEACE & FASHION SHOW WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17 WHERE: Bloomingdale’s at The Mall at Millenia, 4152 Conroy Road, Orlando WEBSITE: windermereprep.com

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Cyclists hit trail for PAL benefit

he Winter Garden Police Department hosted its Hot Pursuit Pedal for PAL March 6 to raise money for Police Athletic League. Pedal for Pal offered four different routes for riders: the 100-mile, 65mile, 25-mile and 10-mile routes. Each route took riders on a journey through West Orange and Lake counties. PAL helps at-risk youth get off the street through summer camps, reading programs and more.

Heather Haviland, Matt Barcus and Jessica Knaus, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, enjoyed participating in the event.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Right: Winter Garden Police Officer Bill Bartko led each of the four waves of riders on his own bike.

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Legacy reaches new heights L egacy Charter High School celebrated its recent National Blue Ribbon School designation Friday, March 11, with a brief ceremony and balloon release at the school. National Blue Ribbon awards recognize both public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Legacy was one of the exempla-

Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson were in attendance at the event.

ry high-performing schools. Many special guests attended the ceremony, including Orange County Public Schools Associate Superintendent for School Choice Christopher Bernier; U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster; OCPS and Legacy High board members; Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and Winter Garden Mayor John Rees. Legacy High students were in charge of releasing the balloons, which were adable.

Special guests listened as Crystal Yoakum welcomed everyone in attendance.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Legacy High senior class president Chloe Guy spoke to her classmates about the National Blue Ribbon honor.

ONLINE See more photos from Legacy Charter’s balloon release at OrangeObserver.com Bailey Vees, left, Seth Hughes, Lisa Vees, Brandon Vees and Cortnie Vees enjoyed meeting U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, third from right.

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JournalismX THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

FLORIDA FILM ACADEMY CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER, 17

PHOTOS BY MARIAH DIXON,

WHAT IS JOURNALISM X?

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

Karen Flood, of Florida Hospital Winter Garden, talked to students about the hospital’s facilities.

Kids get VIP treatment at Florida Hospital Winter Garden Staff at the hospital are trained to help calm children who may be scared of their first hospital experience. SHELBY BECK

TATUM CEMPELLA

REBECCA AARON

MIA ADATIA

Shelby Beck aspires to be a journalist who travels to war-torn countries and writes provocative stories that encourage people to change the world. Her favorite food is rice with butter (no matter how awful that might sound), and she loves to curl up with a good book when she has down time.

Rebecca Aaron’s favorite food is pizza, and she loves hanging out with friends and going shopping. If she could have any career in the world today, she would be an actress; however, realistically, she wants to be a nurse.

Tatum Cempella aspires to be a lawyer when she grows up. Her favorite food is spaghetti, and her favorite pastime is writing. Tatum looks forward to sharing stories and publishing her work through the Journalism X program.

Mia Adatia is an ice-cream connoisseur. She likes to journal in her free time and play with dogs.

SHELBY BECK, 15

The fear of hospitals, or noscomephobia, is one of the most common fears across the country, but not in Winter Garden. Florida Hospital Winter Garden is working hard to ease the fear and anxiety of both children and adults. Florida Hospital Winter Garden is partnering with Florida Hospital for Children to help provide a kid-friendly environment in Winter Garden. The more peaceful environment started even before the hospital opened. During construction and planning, the hospital was designed with bright and airy colors and a lot of natural light. In addition, the staff was specially trained in a program called Onboarding, which was designed with Disney. The program teaches staff how to recognize and work with people, especially children. A more kid-friendly environment occurs even before a patient reaches the hospital. The ambulances are designed to be more suitable for children. The staff is taught to keep calm but also maintain confident voices to help with the nerves of not only the child but SEE HOSPITAL PAGE 15

YOUR TOWN

MENU HAMLETT

If Menu Hamlett could have any job in the world, she would aspire to be a writer and own her own writing firm. Her favorite food is cotton candy, she loves to bake and also wants to start her own catering company. Menu is very ambitious.

ournalism X is a group of young people sharing their voice with you, the community, through print and web. Using video, photography and the written word, participating students are only 10 to 17 years old! This group meets fun and

unique people from our community, goes on location to cover news stories and gives you a fresh view from a student’s perspective. Local students and schools are encouraged to get in touch with the “X-team” to submit articles, share story ideas or have career

SCOTT MITCHELL

Scott Mitchell loves reading during his free time. You might find him reading “Number the Stars” or “I Survived” while sneaking in a little video-game time. His favorite food is a Philly cheesesteak, and he wants to play for the Eagles football team when he grows up.

professionals work with your classroom. This one-of-a-kind experience is presented by Florida Film Academy and the Windermere Observer. Want to get in touch? Contact stefanie@FLFilmAcademy.com for more information!

Tatum Cempella

SILLY ANIMAL SELFIES! What would it look like if an animal could take a selfie? West Orange County is full of families with silly pets and unusual animals and a whole lot of farms. Our Journalism X team wants you to send in photos of silly animals showing off their personalities! Email your photos to stefanie@FLFilmAcademy. com and see them featured on our journalismx.com website!

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

JournalismX.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

ON THE JOB

Managing a destination Kerri Ryan is the woman behind the 1.1-million-square-foot Winter Garden Village. BY SHELBY BECK, 15

Winter Garden Village is a staple of the Winter Garden community, and Kerri Ryan is the woman behind running this 1.1-million-square-foot shopping center. “As a property manager, it’s a job that a lot of people don’t think about,” Ryan said. “I basically run the entire physical asset of Winter Garden Village.” As a part of her job description, Ryan takes care of the exterior maintenance, painting, landscaping, security, collecting rent, paying invoices, operating events and even taking care of the occasional bear that wanders onto the property. “Every day is different; that’s what’s fun and exciting about it,” Ryan said. “There are no two days that are alike; there’s never a boring day.” Ryan first discovered the

industry on a fluke. After getting out of school, she went to a temp agency to help find a job. After being placed at a company that dealt with property managers, she went up the ranks. Twenty years later, she had worked her way to regional property manager of Winter Garden Village. However, being in charge of such a large and busy facility can be difficult at times. “It’s a 24-hour job,” she said. “You get a lot of middle-ofthe-night phone calls — usually about 2 o’ clock in the morning. You’re never off.” As Winter Garden Village continues adding new stores and gets more and more popular, Ryan will be there as a pillar to make sure that everyone who shops at the outdoor mall has the best and easiest time possible.

Healthy you, healthy pets

BEE-AUTIFUL BEES: not such a beautiful future WINTER GARDEN HONEY COMPANY ADDRESS: 9816 Tower Pine Drive, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 454-0866 WEBSITE: wghoney.com

Three of Stevens’ popular flavors include Palmetto, Sabal Palm and Orange Blossom — all pollenated by local bees using different species of plants.

Lake Whitney Elementary students visit Winter Garden Honey Company’s Bob Stevens. RHEA M., JOHN G., A.K., JAKE C. AND BRADY B. LAKE WHITNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mr. Wisdom’s fourth-grade Lake Whitney Elementary students visited the Winter Garden Honey Company to find out why bees are becoming extinct and learn more behind the passion of beekeeper Bob Stevens and his fresh local honey. Mr. Stevens started collecting bees and other critters at the tender age of 8 years old. His passion grew into a career of beekeeping. He now has more than 30 years of experience and, along with his wife, owns Winter Garden Honey Company. Mr. Stevens prides himself on the 100% natural ingredients used to produce the honey from his bee-autiful bees! Three of Stevens’ popular flavors include Palmetto, Sabal Palm and Orange Blossom — all pollenated by local bees using different species of plants. Honey is a natural remedy for sore throats and allergies. Local honey is always a good option, and it never expires. PROTECTION

According to WallStreetDaily. com, if bees did not exist, our food pyramid would look a lot different. The basics, such as fruits and vegetables, would not receive their pollination to grow, animals

would not have a food source, and humans would face the consequences. What’s causing their disappearance? There’s a new parasite plaguing bee colonies. MEET THE MITE: NOSEMA CERANAE

These parasites will latch onto the bees and start sucking their blood like a vampire.

THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN BEE

According to Beekeeper Bob, the loss of the queen bee causes the bees to become depressed. This impacts the flavor of their honey because they are not out pollenating plants. According to our classroom research, humans are another threat — from pesticides farmers use to maintain their crops, air pollution and chopping down trees, which are home to the bee hives and so many more. This article could take up the whole newspaper/website if we listed them all!

A NEW HOPE

Luckily, beekeepers such as Bob Stevens and researchers around the world are working together to solve the mystery of bee extinction. And don’t worry husbands: If you want an excuse not to mow the lawn, just tell your wife you might run over a bee pollenating a flower!

Brittain Rainville

Gracie’s Pet Food owner Kim Dannenberg shares some tips to keep your four-legged friends healthy and happy. MIA ADATIA, 9

If you haven’t been into Gracie’s of Winter Garden pet-food store on Dillard Street yet, don’t be surprised when you’re greeted by two very big and beautiful Newfoundlands at the front door. Owner Kim Dannenberg specializes in dogs, cats and rabbits, and her mission is to educate our local community on longevity in our animals, giving our pets a healthy, happy life. Dannenberg feeds her very big dogs a raw-food diet and is an advocate for this type of diet depending on the breed of dog. According to Dannenberg, one sign of a healthy diet is how much waste your animal is producing. If they produce a lot of waste, that would suggest the food going in has ingredients their body does not need, and it sends it back out as waste. We asked Dannenberg to share a few ideas on how to keep pets healthy. 1. Read, read, read. Always read the ingredient label on pet food and look for limited ingredients. Make sure the main ingredient is a meat protein. 2. Gluten allergy, anyone?

According to Dannenberg, dogs can suffer from the same food allergies that humans experience. Look for soy-free, gluten-free and corn-free products, and definitely speak to your veterinarian if such allergies arise. 3. Brush them. Dannenberg suggests we should get in the habit of regularly brushing our dogs’ hair, trimming their nails and bathing. 4. Checkups. Set up an appointment to have a regular healthy checkup with a veterinarian. The veterinarian can also get your pet started on flea and tick prevention. In the state of Florida, fleas and ticks can be worse because of the sand and heat. Dannenberg takes her Newfoundlands to a holistic veterinarian, and she shared with us that she also takes her dogs for chiropractic visits, where they get adjustments. Adjustments help keep bones and joints healthy in her large dogs. Dannenberg is extremely knowledgeable of the healthy ingredients we can feed our pets. Our last tip from the Journalism X Team: Keep loving your pets!

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Diana Krummel’s love of comic books began when she was a child. TATUM CEMPELLA, 10

Diana Krummel has opened her shop, Krum’s World: Comics and Collectibles, to help ignite a passion for reading in people of all ages. Krummel relied on comics at a young age to help manage her dyslexia. According to the American Dys-

ON THE JOB

Rhythm & Roots

Comic lovers unite!

Brittain Rainville

The Talako Indian Dancers share Native-American culture and dance throughout Central Florida. TATUM CEMPELLA,10, MENU HAMLETT, 11, AND REBECCA AARON, 15 EDITED BY SHELBY BECK, 15

he color, the beat, the drums, the music, the dancing, the costumes! You can’t miss the Talako Indian Dancers. This unique group of young boys and girls passionately shares Native-American culture and dance throughout Central Florida. Not everyone in the organization has an indigenous background, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join this one-of-a-kind experience. Dancing Squirrel, Brown Bobcat, Hunting Eagle … new members participate in a naming ceremony during which the participants receive their NativeAmerican name to match their personality. The members come together to perform war, hoop, grass-stomping and eagle dances for outdoor audiences at festivals, schools, libraries and more. The music the members dance to is played live on the drums by Bill Prentis, who founded the troop back in 1986. River Otter, a longtime dancer in the group, said his “favorite part, personally, is it kind of introduces you to a different culture, a different perspective. I met all of these guys I never would have met.”

HOSPITAL FROM PAGE 13

also the parent. If the trip does not require an ambulance, there are special waiting areas for children in the ER, surgical area and primary and specialty-care areas. During treatment, kids are encouraged to touch things and ask questions.

Jade Morrison

Not only the dances and the names illustrate the culture, but also the outfits beautifully represent the heritage they are showcasing. The vibrant, meticulously designed regalia worn by the Talakos uses materials such as feathers and fringe, and each individual piece can take up to 75 hours to create. The impressive regalia is all in the family because everything is handmade by Prentis and his wife. With nearly 2,500 performances under their belts, the Talakos are introducing Native-American culture to audiences across the state of Florida. If you’re interested in being a part of the Talako experience, they welcome anyone between the ages of 8 and 17.

“Just ask questions, and they’ll be happy to answer them, and you’ll be surprised what you may learn,” said Ross Coapstick, the imaging manager of Florida Hospital Winter Garden. Parents also are encouraged to be a part of the experience. The parents are allowed with or near the child in the majority of situ-

WANT MORE?

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

KRUM’S WORLD: COMICS AND COLLECTIBLES ADDRESS: 13750 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 290 PHONE: (407) 614-1881 WEBSITE: krumscomics.com

lexia Association, dyslexia causes people to perceive their environment differently, especially when confronted with letters or numbers. Comics were just the solution to help her fall in love with reading. Krummel continues to inspire readers through her shop, from hosting special guest writers to graphic-novel artists and even upand-coming comic book authors. So try something new and ZAP, POW and KABOOM your way to Krum’s World!

Safety, sirens, service REBECCA AARON, 15

When we think of the men and women in blue, we think of crime fighters, street patrol and, most importantly, those who protect and serve our community. But did you know police officers experience many roles once they are in the department? Meet Officer Andrew Raphael, community officer for the Winter Garden Police Department. A community officer is a police officer who works with kids and adults, getting to know them, their families and the local community. Raphael has worked for the Winter Garden Police Department just over two years, doing patrol and working as a community officer. Prior to his work in Winter Garden, Raphael served in South Florida for 27 years working in patrol, narcotics, SWAT and gaming enforcement. There are four officers who work with Officer Raphael in the same unit. However, they all specialize in different things. Raphael specializes in event planning. He recently completed a bicycle ride fundraiser called

“Hot Pursuit Pedal for PAL,” which raises money for the Police Athletic League. PAL has a free eight-week summer camp for families in need. The police department also supports a holiday gift program, where they provide gifts and meals to families that are in need. Raphael also coordinates and helps run the boys athletic league summer camp. Officer Raphael said out of everything he does, his favorite part about his job is dropping everything and just spending time with kids in the community. Officer Raphael advises kids to make good decisions and think about what the consequences of their actions could be. Raphael has been working as a police officer since he was 19 years old, and his passion came from popular TV shows like “Miami Vice.” He was first interested in what he saw on TV and thought, “Wow, look at all that excitement.” That is what led him to want to pursue a career in the police force. Most importantly, Officer Raphael gets to do what he loves most: help the people of our community.

TALAKO INDIAN DANCERS WEBSITE: talakoindiandancers. com PHONE: (407) 352-1163

ations and are encouraged to use what is called “positions of comfort,” where they are to hold their child through scary situations. “All the staff was wonderful,” said Karen Flood, who works on special projects and government work and is also the mother of a 2-year-old who recently visited the hospital. “You wouldn’t know

Shelby Beck

she was hurt. She received stickers and coloring books, and the world was better for her. … She asks to go to the hospital now.” Florida Hospital for Children Clinical Network Director Susan Jackson had some reassuring words for kids. “If you’re a kid, if you get sick, if you’re hurt, don’t be scared,” she

said. “We want to make you better. It’ll be OK. We want to make you better, and we’ll try to get you home as soon as we can,.” Whether it be the ride over, the waiting rooms or the actual care received, Florida Hospital Winter Garden is working hard so that there’s nothing to fear when the need for the hospital arises.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

The newspaper is a “living textbook” that reports history as it happens and teaches students about themselves and their community, state, country and world. Students who learn using the newspaper grow up to become lifelong readers and thoughtful and engaged citizens.

Thank you West Oaks Mall for partnering with us to educate the future of our community. Be sure to stop by and see the “Journalism X” wall coming soon to West Oaks Mall.

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Cadence kids

QUICK HITS FRIDAY, MARCH 18

Patty Wolfe

OPENING NIGHT OF “THE WHALE” 8 p.m. Friday, March 18, at The Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Come to the opening night of “The Whale,” which runs through April 3. This show features the story of a recluse who hides away in his apartment, eating himself to death. Desperate to connect to his estranged daughter, he reaches out to her to find a sharp-tongued and unhappy teen. Recommended for mature audiences. Performances run 8 p.m Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Additional showings are 2 p.m., Saturday, April 2, and Industry Night, 8 p.m., Monday, March 28. Tickets are $28; $24 for students and seniors; $15 industry night. Purchase tickets at gardentheatre.org, or call the box office at (407) 877-4736.

MONDAY, MARCH 21

Snare drummers get into the music.

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER

Hear that noise? It’s not a high-school marching band. It’s the MetroWest Elementary Drumline.

rive by MetroWest Elementary on a Monday afternoon,

RAVE OF THE WEEK

and you might hear a booming noise. Listen closer, and you’ll hear the noise is in rhythm. It’s the sound of the MetroWest Elementary Drumline. If you think an elementary school drumline is rare, you’re right. MetroWest is the only ele-

Photos by Jennifer Nesslar

Director Chris Bell demonstrates technique to the bass drummers.

mentary school in Orange County to boast one.

SEE PAGE 17

MOVIE NIGHT: NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 5 p.m. Monday, March 21, at The Big Easy, 15502 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Suite 118, Winter Garden. Bring the kids to enjoy a showing of “Night at the Museum” at The Big Easy. When accompanied by an adult, kids receive a free entree from the kids menu. (407) 654-3279.

SEE THEM IN ACTION The MetroWest Elementary Drumline performs late afternoon Saturday, April 2, at the McDonald’s at the corner of International Drive and Sand Lake Road.

GENEVIEVE MCKAY RAVE RAVE RAVE! Leonard and Sons Car Wash! What a delightful surprise to my day! I drove in on a whim, after I had (gone) to Lowe’s and destroyed my french fry express minivan with dirt — everywhere. I ask Leonard the prices and he gave me the whole rundown. Not wanting to break my piggy bank, I went with a basic wash and vacuum that comes with wiping down of the dash. … I watched him take such pride cleaning my gross kiddie car, and he literally spent 10 minutes on the front of the car/grill to make it shine. He also did the windows inside and out, and got inside every cupholder, nook and cranny. When he drove it out, I thought I had just bought a new car off the lot. The thing beamed. Best part? Price. $35. Say what?!? … He has a customer for life.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

CR ITT ER CO R NER

An All-American evening The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Evening at the Pops. EVENING AT THE POPS WHEN: March 19. Instrument petting zoo begins at 4:30 p.m., Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs at 6:30 p.m. TICKETS: General admission: $10; children 12 and under free; VIP tickets are $50. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Winter Garden City Hall, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, the West Orange Times & Observer office or online at bit. ly/1QHgd7i. Rotary members and local organizations are also selling tickets. PARKING Parking is limited at Tanner Hall and Newton Park, so guests will be directed to nearby parking lots. A shuttle will run between the parking lots and the venue all evening. Guests with VIP tickets can park onsite.

s the sun sets over Newton Park March 19, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play All-American classical and popular classical pieces at the 2016 Evening at the Pops. The concert is an annual event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Winter Garden that brings the Winter Garden community together to enjoy music and the spring weather. The event is a way the Rotary serves the community and raises money for charities it supports, such as Matthew’s Hope and the Boys and Girls Club. “It’s one of the premier events that Rotary does every year as a service to our community,” said Betsy VanderLey, co-chair of the event. — JENNIFER NESSLAR

INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO When one thinks of a petting zoo, animals come to mind. But at Evening at the Pops, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra brings instruments to the kids through an instrument petting zoo.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is Central Florida’s professional orchestra. Eventgoers are invited to bring food and beverages of their choice, as well as blankets, chairs and pillows that will make for a comfortable evening of music.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink; however, food will be on sale at the event. Vendors will sell beer, wine, popcorn, hot dogs and sandwiches. For $50, guests can purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal from alFresco in Tanner Hall, preshow music from the HapCO Foundation and seats on the porch of Tanner Hall.

Want a loving dog? Adopt Millie (A342435). The 5-year-old dog loves treats and will sit on her hind legs to ask for some. She also knows a few tricks, such as sit and shake. She loves giving affection and being petted. Millie has heartworm disease, but a rescue partner has offered to sponsor her treatment, and her adoption fees have been waived. Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Kids will have the opportunity to touch and play instrument to experiment with the sounds the instruments make. “The idea behind it is, get them familiar with symphony orchestra instruments because they’re not widely exposed to it in school,” VanderLey said.

This month, adopters choose a gold coin out of a bucket in honor of the “Luck of the Paw” adoption promotion. The coin displays the fee, which is $5, $10, $15 or free. For more information, call (407) 836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com. Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. If you run a shelter or animal rescue and wish to participate, contact Staff Writer Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

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“They sound like high-school kids out there, but they’re only fourth- and fifth- graders marching drums that the average elementary kid wouldn’t be able to pick up or play,” said music teacher Chris Bell, who was a member of the FAMU Marching 100. “It’s bringing the community together; it’s putting the school on the map.” The concept of an elementaryschool drumline is not new to Bell, who is in his first year at MetroWest Elementary. He has led elementary drumlines as a teacher in other counties and wanted to introduce it to MetroWest for the first time this year. “They never had something like this at the school before,” Bell said. Although many of her peers had never touched a drum before, fourth-grader Alanii Cason had been exposed to it all her life. Her family has played drums for several generations. “Drumming is kind of a tradition in my family,” Cason said. “And when I saw the opportunity, I got it.” After making the drumline and spending a few weeks in practice, Cason was appointed as drum captain. She enjoys performances, but specifically when she gets to perform at a pep rally. “I like pep rallies,” she said. “Pep rallies are my thing. I like to get hyped. The drumline, they’re actually doing really good, so I’m really excited to put them to that test.” Since the line started in September, Cason and her peers have gathered every Monday

y al l i d e or o th c re d t a u ite Yo inv

for practice. About 40 students tried out for the drumline, and Bell was given the difficult task of narrowing it down to about 20. The drummers practiced on drum pads until the PTA raised enough money to purchase the drums. Throughout the year, the drummers learn how to read music and play different cadences. They have many opportunities to perform, both at the school and around the community. The drumline has given Christmas performances at Chick-filA, the school and the MetroWest WinterFest. They play at pep rallies to get their peers excited for the Florida Standards Assessments and other tests. But the biggest experience was when the drumline played at an Orlando Magic Game. “A lot of them never even thought of going, had never been to a Magic game,” Bell said. “Actually being on the court performing in front of people, even though it wasn’t full.” Playing on the drumline teaches the students lessons about leadership and teamwork, because they must work together to perform as one group. The drummers recognize that. “It’s like a family playing together,” said Velson Seide, a fifth-grade bass drummer. Bell motivates the students with sayings and often posts them to the board in classroom: Don’t practice until you get it right; practice until you can’t get it wrong. It’s not how good you are; it’s how good you want to be. Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

16th Annual

Sat. – April 9th • 9 am – 5 pm Sun. – April 10th • 11 am – 4 pm In beautiful Historic Downtown Winter Garden Two Day Festival with many plant, nature and wildlife related vendors. Visit the Garden Art Auction where local artists will offer garden art pieces for bid. There will be items handpainted by local artists that can be yours by placing the highest bid. Raffles and festival shirts will be available at Bloom & Grow booth at Plant St & N. Boyd St. Kidzone will host educational programs for children of all ages. Find out about the good bugs, water conservation and your environment. Check out the "Ask The Expert" booth for answers to your gardening questions. Live entertainment throughout both days. “Chalkin’ It Up” - Sidewalk Art Contest will be held on Saturday. There will be a Natural Market located on S. Main St.

Don't miss the

for all children of all ages.

Presented by Bloom & Grow Garden Society and Co-sponsored by the City of Winter Garden

springfeveringarden.com

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60 Annual th

Easter Sunday Service

Sunday, March 27, 2016 - 7:00 a.m. In front of Mosaic at Woodlawn Memorial Park Easter message with prayers & music Sermon by Jeff Pritchard of Starke Lake Baptist Church Music by songwriter and recording artist Linda McKenzie Continental breakfast will follow service in funeral home lobby Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home • 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road • Gotha, Florida 34734 For additional information, please call 407-293-1361

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

NANCY EVELYN HARRISON GILPIN DIED MARCH 8, 2016.

Nancy Evelyn Harrison Gilpin passed away on March 8, 2016, at her home in Punta Gorda, Florida, surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, T. Wade Harrison; and mother, Lois Chandler Harrison; and her husband, Randle Thomas Gilpin III. Nancy is survived by her sons, Patrick Wade McClane and his wife, Debra, and John Michael McClane and his wife, Kim; two granddaughters, Kaleigh and Krysta McClane; and great-granddaughter, Lilly Harris. She is also survived by numerous cousins and close friends. Nancy was born on Nov. 14, 1941, and grew up in Gainesville, Florida. She graduated from P.K. Yonge Teaching School and attended Stephens College in St. Louis. She worked as a legal secretary for First Federal Savings &

Loan of Gainesville before moving with her former husband, J. Don McClane, to Orlando, then Windermere, Florida, where they raised their family. Nancy was a member of the Junior League of Orlando-Winter Park and headed up numerous community charity organizations, including the United Way of West Orange. She volunteered with the Orange Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, where she was a Pink Lady and chairman of the Stork Club. An avid sportswoman, Nancy was a member of the Windermere Tennis Association and the Ski

Club of Central Florida and was an excellent fisherman. Devoted to her sons, she was a Cub Scout den mother, swimming teacher and secretary of the local PTA. Nancy was an excellent cook and loved to garden. In recent years, Nancy attended the Eastside Baptist Church of Punta Gorda and served as treasurer. Her love and sense of humor will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the staff of Direct Access Home Health and Tidewell Hospice for making Nancy’s last days peaceful. Services will be held at Eastside Baptist Church, Punta Gorda, Florida, at noon Saturday, March 19. Donations may be made in memory of Nancy to Eastside Baptist Church or Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County.

ROB HUGHES

WELLINGTON YU CHIU, 63, of Windermere, died Saturday, March 5, 2016. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha.

DIED MARCH 4, 2016.

“Because “We will honor any you care” pre-arrangement plans Cremation, Funeral and Burial with other funeral homes including butStarting not limited to:at $795 Forethought, Simplicity Plan, Memorial Guardian, NGL and many other FRANK SCARLATA www.DeGusipeFuneralhome.com West Orange Chapel pre-arrangement plans.” Funeral Director & Manager

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Rob Hughes, 45, of Winter Garden, passed away March 4, 2016. Rob was born Oct. 29, 1970, in Buffalo, New York, and moved to Orlando at the age of 9. He leaves his wife of 16 years, Edie Hughes; daughters, Leah Rose and Mia Marie; parents, William and Marie Hughes; siblings, Nan Everidge (Ben) and John Hughes; two nieces and two nephews; as well as numerous extended family members and friends. A funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 10, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando. Inurnment followed at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

DANIEL WAYNE NEELEY, 22, of Ocoee, died Saturday, March 5, 2016. Loomis Family Funeral Home, Apopka. MARY EVELYN POPE, 76, of Ocoee, died Wednesday, March 9, 2016. Loomis Family Funeral Home, Apopka.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be sent to Center State Bank, 2801 13th St., St. Cloud, Florida 44769, FBO Leah and Mia Hughes. For questions, please contact Krysten Sweenor at Center State Bank, (407) 957-3800. Services have been entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home.

CARLTON SONS, 84, Ocoee, of died Tuesday, March 8, 2016. Robert Bryant Funeral & Cremation Chapel, Orlando.

IT’S ALL

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

IMPORTANT

Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden

Children. Work. Friends. But when a loved one has

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VOLUME 1, NO. 1

FREE

ARTS+CULTURE

The secret life of

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

PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Haynes

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

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

SeniorHelpers.com/Orlando

CALL TODAY!

And schedule your FREE In-Home assessment

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

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

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Request our free, no obligation DVD: “Supporting Family Members with Dementia.”

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6

See for yourself how In-Home Care from Senior Helpers can help you help them live a more enjoyable senior life.

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Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

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At last! Work begins on relief school

our In-Home Senior Care will help make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

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INSIDE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Serving Orange, Seminole & Osceola Counties. HHA# 299993681

THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH

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

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

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SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10

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Call us at 407-656-2121 Email us at AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com

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

EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

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

A ministry that demonstrates love, hope, grace and mercy everyday. Matthew’s Hope is a ministry first and foremost that demonstrates the love, hope, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ every day. Matthew’s Hope is also a facilitator of opportunity for moving the homeless of our community toward independence and self sustainability.

For more information stop by or visit: 1460 Daniels Road • Winter Garden, FL 34787 • www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org • 407.905.9500

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MARCH 17 , 2016

HIGH

SPORTS

Dr. Phillips’ Piper Johnson averaged four goals per game against Ocoee and Trinity Prep. Page 20

Dr. Phillips senior track stars Alvin Bryant Jr. and Alahni Wood have a friendship with a competitive edge to it and look to lead the Panthers’ highly successful boys and girls teams to new heights this spring.

Oh, the Madness To celebrate the start of ‘March Madness’ this week, we took a look at local alumni playing hoops in college. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Rylan Thomas did it all for the Windermere Prep baseball team March 8 in a 3-0 victory against Father Lopez. Thomas pitched a no-hitter on the mound, striking out 18 batters along the way, while also homering at the plate.

Dr. Phillips water polo’s Maddie Magrino set a new school record for steals (105) in a season after she totaled 25 steals at the Wildcat Invitational last weekend. The Panthers swept the competition and are now 14-3 on the year.

Olympia track’s Tyson Occenat placed first in the 3,200-meter run over the weekend at the Kowboy Invitational in Kissimmee, helping the Titans boys track and field team to a first-place finish.

Marissa Sidwell went 3-for-5 with two RBIs for the Olympia softball team in a 14-8 victory against Cornerstone Charter March 11.

Ricky Hidalgo knocked in three runs, including a solo home run in the fifth inning, to help the Dr. Phillips baseball team to a 9-6 district victory against Freedom March 9.

3 TO WATCH BOYS LACROSSE West Orange (10-2) at Dr. Phillips (9-2), 7:30 p.m. March 17 BASEBALL Boone (5-7, 1-1 district) at Dr. Phillips (5-7, 2-2 district), 4 p.m. March 17 GIRLS LACROSSE Olympia (13-2) at Bishop Moore (7-4), 7 p.m. March 17

Steven Ryzewski

Senior hurdler Alahni Wood and senior sprinter Alvin Bryant Jr. are leaders for a Dr. Phillips track program with big aspirations this spring.

FASTFRIENDS STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

DR. PHILLIPS

rack stars Alvin Bryant Jr. and Alahni Wood, along with other Dr. Phillips seniors such as Jovani Culver, have been close friends throughout their four years in the program for the Panthers. They support one another, push each other and are willing to lend a helping hand if, say, a teammate needs help stretching out before a meet. Of course, with how well the boys and girls teams at Dr. Phillips have done over those four years, there has always been a bit of a friendly rivalry between the two teams. So even though the Panthers girls team was genuinely excited for the boys last spring when they won a state championship, it is also safe to say that Wood and her teammates are a little extra motivated this spring. “We were kind of jealous about

that,” Wood said with a smile. “The girls won every meet (last season), but the boys won state.” As luck would have it, that is also how things have played out so far this spring. Dr. Phillips’ girls team has placed first in all four events it has competed in ahead of this week’s competition at The First Academy. The boys, meanwhile, have placed first or tied for first in three events while placing third at a meet March 12 at Osceola High. “We go back and forth all the time,” Bryant said of his relationship with the seniors on the girls team. “When it comes down to it, we all love each other.” Bryant, who is committed to Louisiana State University for sprinting, is now the elder statesman on a boys team trying to reload while still trying to make a repeat run at a state title this spring. On an individual level, Bryant is looking to improve upon his

THE ROAD AHEAD These are the next three meets for the Panthers boys and girls track and field teams: March 19: The First Academy Invite March 25: Sanford-Seminole Invite (at the National Training Center) March 31: Pepsi Florida Relays (Gainesville)

The Thursday that begins the NCAA Division I College Basketball Tournament, affectionately referred to as “The Big Dance,” is one of the most anticipated days of the year in sports. To celebrate the occasion, the Windermere Observer is taking a look at some of the alumni of prep programs it covers that are participating in their respective NCAA Tournaments at the Division I, II or III level. Highlighting the local alumni is former Olympia standout MarcEddy Norelia, whose Florida Gulf Coast Eagles won in overtime in the Atlantic Sun Championship Game against Stetson to make the field of 68 for the NCAA Division I Tournament. Norelia had a banner year in his redshirt-junior campaign, being named to the all-conference first team and earning Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP honors. Norelia shot just under 54% from the field this season, averaging 17.2 points per game to go along with 9.2 rebounds per game. FGCU played Fairleigh-Dickinson March 15 in the “First Four” round of play after press time. The winner will play top-seeded North Carolina at 7:20 p.m. March 17. Norelia played his final season for the Titans in 2011-12, and a senior teammate of his, Trey Griseck, also had a big year. Griseck, a senior for Saint Leo, helped key a run by the Lions to the NCAA Division II Tournament and scored a career-high 25 points against Rollins Feb. 24. Saint Leo fell in the Regional Quarterfinals to Alabama-Huntsville. SEE COLLEGE PAGE 20

SEE PANTHERS PAGE 20

“We were kind of jealous about that. The girls won every meet (last season), but the boys won state.” — Alahni Wood

Courtesy photo

Olympia alumnus Marc-Eddy Norelia is having a breakout season for Florida Gulf Coast.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

College

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Piper Johnson Dr. Phillips High junior Piper Johnson is having one of her best lacrosse seasons yet and averaged four goals per game against Ocoee and Trinity Prep. She also scored a goal in the last minute of play to secure Dr. Phillips’ 11-10 victory over Trinity.

How have you been doing so far this season? It’s been my best season so far. Just being an upperclassman, I kind of feel like it’s my turn to take charge, and I see an improvement in myself. I was on a club team this summer, and I think it really helped improve me as a player. What has the team’s chemistry been like this season? It’s never been this great before. We’ve known each other for a long time, so I feel like it’s blending really well and everyone just loves each other, honestly. How did you get started playing lacrosse? I started in fourth grade. I had just finished soccer, and my parents wanted me to get involved in some kind of sport. My sister brought a flier home from school one day for lacrosse. I had always played it a little bit every day in P.E. during school, so I tried it, and it just stuck. What is your club team? Last summer, I was with a team called Rev, which is short for Revolution. They left Florida, so now I’m on a club team called Storm, and a lot of the girls on the team are on Storm, too.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Two teammates from the dynastic run for the Dr. Phillips girls basketball team are set to take the floor Friday in the first round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. One, Hannah Schaible, is a junior for George Washington, which will face Kansas State at 5 p.m. Schaible averaged 10.4 points and six rebounds per game this season and was named the Atlantic-10’s Player of the Week Feb. 29. The other, Matea Britvar, is a sophomore for St. Bonaventure, which will face Oklahoma State at 7:30 p.m. A solid role player for the Bonnies, Britvar has averaged 3.1 points and 3.3 rebounds

THE BASICS Age: 16 School Year: Junior Position: Attack Height: 5-foot-2 Hometown: Orlando

What is your favorite Olympic sport to watch? Probably track, because my whole family is a family of runners, and I ran track in ninth grade. I just love seeing the sprints. What is your favorite team to play on your schedule? Probably either West Orange or Olympia. Even though they’re our competitors, it’s a good game, and we can really see what we need to work on.

Trey Griseck helped lead Saint Leo to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

per game in 30 appearances off the bench this season. Finally, a Windermere native who attended The First Academy has made an impact in his freshman season at Covenant College. Bailey Spragg shot 48% from the floor for the Scots, averaging 6.9 points per game, and was named to the USA South All-Tournament

LOCALS HOOP AROUND THE COUNTRY Here is a list of athletes from Olympia, Dr. Phillips, CFCA and Windermere Prep who played college basketball this season.

Do you have a favorite quote or lyric? Probably “Everything happens for a reason.” So many events have occurred in my life, and I know it happens for some reason, and I’ve seen in the future that it does. I know that events in the past have happened to lead me to where I am now, and that’s what I go by.

DR. PHILLIPS n Jonathan Laurent, freshman, Rutgers n Pookie Powell, RS-sophomore, La Salle n Roderick Lawrence, RSsenior, Campbellsville n Hannah Schaible, junior, George Washington n Taryn Griffey, RS-freshman, Arizona n Jade Cheek, sophomore, FIU n Sydnei McCaskill, RS-junior, FGCU n Matea Britvar, sophomore, St. Bonaventure n Stephanie Ratliff, junior, Louisiana-Monroe n I’Munique Green, sophomore, Warner n Ionna McKenzie, sophomore, Texas Tech n Arianna Cumbie, RS-sophomore, Palm Beach Atlantic

Who would you say is your biggest inspiration? It’s kind of cheesy, but my parents! Especially my mom, she’s just such a strong figure in my life. She’s very athletic and prosperous in her job, and I really look up to her. If your friends and family had to describe your personality in one word, what would it be? I guess I would say caring. I just really like helping people. I’m in a class now where you help mentor special-needs kids, and I really like it.

CFCA n BreAnn Davis, RS-senior, Florida Tech WINDERMERE PREP n Michael Stones, freshman, Dartmouth n Matt Hein, freshman, Illinois State n Xeo Golding, freshman, Lesley n David Ndiaye, freshman, Illinois State n Isaiah Curry, freshman, Waldorf College n Davis Cima, junior varsity, Grand View n Nathan Steineck, freshman, Chatham University THE FIRST ACADEMY n Bailey Spragg, freshman, Covenant* * — Windermere native

Team and was the conference’s Rookie of the Week for the week of Jan. 18 to 25. Spragg scored 14 points for the Scots in a win in the USA South Championship Game. Covenant later lost in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com. OLYMPIA n Marc-Eddy Norelia, RSjunior, FGCU n Trey Griseck, senior, Saint Leo n Derek Reese, senior, Tennessee n Juan Rivas, sophomore, North Georgia n Lucas Vojak, sophomore, Lawrence Tech n Hamilton Hawkins, junior, Greensboro College n T.J. Johnson, junior, Johnson & Wales n Chelsy Springs, junior, Saint Leo n Madison Evans, sophomore, Indian River State College n Jasmine Bateman, sophomore, Ave Maria

ONLINE

For a look at local alumni from schools covered by our sister paper, the West Orange Times & Observer, log on to OrangeObserver.com.

Panthers have high hopes second-place finish in 2015 in the 100 meters and to defend his state title in the 200 meters. “It’s just a younger team,” head coach Jorge Fleitas said. “We’ve got a younger team that, every week, we get better and better.” In addition to the team’s usual suspects — such as Bryant, fellow senior Jean D’Haiti and junior Emare Hogan — Fleitas said to keep an eye on junior middle-distance runner Carl Schwartz, who is having a bit of a breakout season. The girls team, meanwhile, has a strong senior class. Along with Wood and Culver, the Panthers boast 4x100- and 4x400-

Do you have any plans for after high school? I feel like I’ll know by this summer whether I want to play lacrosse in college or not, because I’m on a club team and I’ve been seeing colleges and whatnot, but I’m just not yet 100% sure of what I want to do yet.

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

What’s your current favorite TV show? Either “The Office” or “Friends.” They’re always my favorite!

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

meter relay teams that head coach Angie Fleitas said already are faster than a year ago. The 4x800 team could be a statetitle contender by the season’s end, after placing fourth in the state in 2015. Add in the success of runners such as Annika Sison, Hallie Walker and Adajah Irving, and it’s clear Dr. Phillips has a shot at matching the boys’ feat from a season ago. Wood — the team’s star hurdler and a member of the 4x100 relay team — is working to get her grades and test scores high enough to entertain the interest she has received from several high-level Division I programs.

Both teams have benefited from an influx of freshmen who are making an immediate impact. Although the youngsters still have much to learn, especially those who are participating in relay events for the Panthers, they still have been impressive. “At Dr. Phillips, we’re really blessed,” Angie Fleitas said, referring to the impressive freshman class. “It kind of comes with that tradition — you put on the uniform, and things get a little more real.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Baseball tournaments will highlight OCPS Spring Break Dr. Phillips will partner with West Orange and Apopka to host an event.

SPRING BREAK SLAM Day One (March 21) Schedule

AT WEST ORANGE Eustis vs. Rogers Heritage, 10 a.m. Lk. Minneola vs. Palm Beach Gardens, 1 p.m. Bay vs. West Orange, 4 p.m. AT DR. PHILLIPS Mount Dora vs. The Benjamin School, 1 p.m. St. Pete vs. Dr. Phillips, 4 p.m. AT APOPKA Montverde vs. Colonia, 10 a.m. Wellington vs. University, 1 p.m. Miami Christian vs. Apopka, 4 p.m. Full brackets are available at westorangebaseball.net/ SBSBrackets.html.

Photos by Steven Ryzewski

Olympia will participate in an event put on by the Florida League.

Dr. Phillips High School will again partner with rivals West Orange High and Apopka High to host the annual Central Florida Spring Break Slam. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR WEST ORANGE Spring break

for Orange County Public Schools begins March 18 with a “student holiday/teacher workday.” For varsity sports fans, that means plenty of high-quality action on the baseball diamond is

just around the corner. Highlighting the spring break baseball tournaments that will be taking place here regionally will be the Central Florida Spring Break Slam, an annual tournament organized by the programs at Dr. Phillips (5-7), West Orange (11-1) and Apopka High (8-3) and

presented by the Johnny Damon Foundation. The event is entering its fifth year and features a mixture of programs from around the region, programs from around the state and even out-of-state programs. Games are hosted by the Panthers, Warriors and Blue Darters. This year’s 16-team event features the three host schools, The Benjamin School (Palm Beach), Bay (Panama City), St. Petersburg, Eustis, Wellington, Rogers Heritage (Arkansas), Montverde Academy, Colonial, Palm Beach Gardens, Miami Christian, Lake Minneola, University (Orlando) and Mount Dora. Play begins Monday, March 21, and concludes on Thursday, March 24, with the championship game at 4 p.m. at West Orange. Every team plays four games. There also will be a home run derby. Last year’s event was won by Rockledge, which topped IMG Academy in the championship. Olympia (8-5) once again will

be participating in a tournament hosted by the Florida Collegiate Summer League. The Florida League High School Invitational’s “The Classic” will take place from March 21 to 25 at Sanford Memorial Stadium, Lake Brantley and Seminole High. The event features a total of 24 teams, including programs from around the state and programs from Arkansas and Missouri. The Titans will begin pool play at 4:30 p.m. March 21 against Missouri’s Smith Cotton High at Sanford Memorial Stadium. Windermere Prep (7-7) will compete beginning March 29 in the IMG Academy’s National Classic in Bradenton. The Lakers’ first game will take place at 4 p.m. March 29 against Georgia’s Troup County High on the IMG Academy’s Stadium Field. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

W EAT HER

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, MAR. 17 High: 87 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, MAR. 18 High: 83 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 90%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, March 17

7:34a

7:36p

Friday, March 18

7:32a

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Saturday, March 19

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Sunday, March 20

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Monday, March 21

7:29a

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Tuesday, March 22

7:28a

7:39p

Wednesday, March 23 7:27a

7:39p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAR. 19 Mar. 23 Full

High: 77 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 80%

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

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Mar. 1 Last

30 Embassy confidant ACROSS 31 Commonplace, as 1 “Not guilty,” e.g. writing 5 Cartographer’s products 32 They’re made after a 9 Long-handled spoon fight 14 Three feet 34 Burial chamber 18 Guided trips 37 Insects with pincers 19 Neighbor of Pakistan 40 “... happily ___ after” 20 At full speed, on the 41 Empty a boat, in a way briny 42 Heir, at law 21 Dump emanation 43 Plow-pulling beasts 22 Southwestern stew44 ___ Darya (Asian river) pots 23 Farmer’s storage tower 47 Satin quality 49 Chicken order 24 Bistros 50 A country’s output, for 25 Old Chevrolet model 26 “Amen to that, brother” short 29 Accepted a gunsling- 51 Kind of renewal 53 No ___ intended er’s dare

54 Did away with, in gangster lingo 57 Made one laugh 60 Andean civilization 61 Poker declaration 62 In a despicable way 63 Nightmare feeling 64 Sea chanty refrain 71 Jack-in-the-pulpit, e.g. 72 Anxiety 73 Historic blocks 74 Like an owl 75 How bad decisions may be made 76 Port of France 78 Psychedelic drug, for short 81 Exterminators’ targets

1 Type of pony or shirt 2 “To Sir, With Love” singer 3 Not permanent, as ink 4 Allegro ___ (very fast) 5 Poker boo-boo 6 Opera solo 7 Part of a hand 8 Prying 9 Compound in milk 10 Eastern nurses 11 Silly and foolish 12 In ___ of (replacing) 13 Force into servitude 14 “Way Down ___ in New Orleans” 15 Decorate 16 Exercised one’s wanderlust 17 Sketches 83 Fords with racing 18 Part of a Happy Meal stripes 27 Cartoon “lightbulb” 84 Haul to court 28 More than suggest 85 Fence-crossing aid 33 Greasy spoon handout 87 Cunning 34 Cook’s meas., some88 “What a shame!” times 90 Bishop, e.g. 35 Hawaii’s “Gathering 94 Clean, as a pipe Place” 95 China’s dollar 36 Dignified manner or 96 Causes resentment conduct 97 “Render therefore ___ 38 Rub the wrong way Caesar ...” 39 Garden nuisance 98 Like evangelical 40 Booted one Christians 43 Early stages 101 Hospitality recipient 44 “Dogpatch” name 103 Common street name 45 Former Portuguese 105 Run ___ (go wild) territory in China 106 Light puffy bread, 46 Divest of weapons

48 Ark builder 50 Sudden blast of wind 52 Jazzmen’s licks 55 Baking need 56 Boys Town Father 57 Site of monk business? 58 Longtime Chinese chairman 59 Batik workers 61 Celestial object with a tail 64 Harsh cries 65 Corbeled-out window 66 Disreputable woman 67 Hawks’ hangouts 68 Morse code bits 69 Communication for the deaf (Abbr.) 70 Feedbag fillers 76 Add muscle (with “up”) 77 Not fake 78 Mortgage holder’s asset 79 Strip of wood 80 Show tune? 82 Suffix with “dino” 84 Milwaukee Journal ___ 86 Low beds 89 Sailor’s cord 90 De-creased? 91 Poison ivy woe 92 Violent storm 93 Biblical birthright seller 95 Country cousins 98 Bob Marley was one 99 Internet message 100 Scary apparition 101 Emulates the Cheshire Cat 102 Edict of a Russian czar 104 Its license plates say “Famous potatoes” 107 Miscellany 108 Split or tear 109 Just makes do (with “out”) 110 “___ have to do for now” 111 Cape Canaveral cancellation 112 Govt. procurement group

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a woman in history. Using the hints X=A and K=N, decipher the clues to name the woman. 1. D A J Y C U Z L U K U X 2. P G U K X 3. Y G A L E E N A X Z Y G 4. U B B U L Z X Y U E K 5. X N E F Y U E K She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Literature:

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March 17 (Easy, difficultyLAWN ratingSERVICES 0.40)

407-496-4900

norb@HomeRebateRealty.com

1 7

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2 MARCH BRAKE PAD SALE BMW 3 Series

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TFN

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TFN

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March (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40) This17week’s Sudoku answers

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5 LV11097

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

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

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