04.06.17 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

Soul sisters launch home décor business. PAGE 19.

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ARTS & CULTURE

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

PURPLE POWER

Ocoee High opens Knight Gallery to showcase artwork.

SEE PAGE 7.

YOUR TOWN WARRIORS EARN NATIONAL HONOR The West Orange High School band program was awarded the National Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence from the National Band Association. WOHS was one of five in the United States to receive the honor. Kenneth Boyd is the band director.

The Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, will perform a cappella inspirational choral classics, as part of “Tenebrae,” a dramatic service of prayer and music as part of the Basilica’s 2016-17 Concert Series. The service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at the Basilica, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. Attendees will experience the loneliness and abandonment of Christ, the earthquake at his death, the closing of the tomb and the tumultuous clash between God and Satan. The Very Rev. Paul J. Henry, rector of the Basilica, will preside, and music will be presented by the Basilica Choir. The singers in the choir are all professional musicians in the Orlando area and are under the direction of Dr. William Picher. For more information, call (407) 239-6600.

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

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Postal Customer

Cancer survivors took the first lap of the night at the 2017 Relay for Life of Dr. Phillips.

or nearly 12 hours on Saturday, April 1, Relay for Life of Dr. Phillips participants laughed, celebrated, danced and raised money for the American Cancer Society. Located at Dr. Phillips High’s football field, this year’s event boasted numerous activities and booths where participants could buy food, pottery, flowers and more to support the ACS. By the time the event began at 1 p.m., its participants already had raised at least $50,000.

The band Pleneros de la Central provided music to which survivors and caregivers could dance.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Entrepreneurial spirit

SPORTS

BASILICA CHOIR TO PERFORM

Luis Varona and Juan Pedraza launched their own business to earn money for the future. BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

Kyle Gilbert’s strength and conditioning program is bolstering WPS athletes. SEE 13.

Instead of working at a fastfood restaurant like most of their friends in high school, Luis Varona and Juan Pedraza decided to start their own business. They’ve called their company LJ Services, and the pair caters

to whatever their clients need. So far, they’ve been in business for about a month and have mostly done yard work and car washes. But for the two high-schoolers, it beats any other job out there. And it all started out of sheer boredom. “We … wanted to do something with our time,” said Varona, a sophomore at West Orange High School. “It’s fun to stay home and relax sometimes, but after a while, you don’t feel productive.” Having seen their friends toil at SEE LJ SERVICES PAGE 4

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

YOU R CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

awards. For more, email to dawnburns@hopecharter.org.

WINDERMERE FARMER’S MARKET

BOOK SIGNING AT WGHF

7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, 21 E. Plant St. Author Bob Kealing will read and sign his latest book, “Elvis Ignited: The Rise of an Icon in Florida.” Call (407) 656-3244 to pre-order a copy.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. For more, visit windermere.fl.us.

SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

2017 DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE MAGNET ANNUAL GALA

5 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the school, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. This New Orleansthemed night will feature music, catered food, auctions, and performances from the Dr. Phillips students. (407) 355-3200.

RIBBON CUTTING: ADVANCE CHIROPRACTIC

5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Advance Chiropractic, 1507 S. Hiawassee Road, Suite 214. Orlando. Heather Papoulis, (561) 310-4317.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL 2017 GOLF TOURNAMENT

STATE OF THE COUNTY

9 a.m. Friday, April 7, at I-Drive 360, 8375 International Drive, Orlando. For more, visit orangecountyfl.net.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 8, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 9, in downtown Winter Garden. Presented by the Bloom and Grow Garden Society. For more, visit springfeveringarden.com. YOGA ON THE SILO LAWN

11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Crooked Can Brewing Company, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Cost is $10 for a onehour session on the lawn near the silo. (407) 395-9520.

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

7 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Forest Lake Golf Course, 10521 Clarcona-Ocoee Road, Ocoee. Tournament will conclude with lunch, raffle drawings and

LAKEFRONT FARMER’S MARKET AT SUMMERPORT VILLAGE

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays at

13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Windermere. Hours will change to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for summer (June and July). For more, visit facebook.com/summerportvillagemarket. PET RESCUE

12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Crooked Can Brewing Company, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. A Cause 4 Paws will be there with adoptable dogs. Live music will add to the atmosphere. acause4pawsrescue.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER

6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road Orlando. Reservations required by noon April 7. Cost is $50 for adult members, $30 for child members, $70 for adult

non-members and $40 for child non-members. To RSVP, visit RosenJCC.org/Passover. SPANISH BOOK CLUB

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Join this Spanish-language book club to discuss literature, art, music and more. All are welcome. (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

WEST ORANGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. The guest speaker is from Americans for Prosperity. Lunch is $20. RSVP to Rebecca Mellen, rebeccatmellen@gmail. com or (407) 230-5968.

Join the team AND be part of the excitement...

Monthly events - Marketing programs Property services Easy, fun and convenient place to shop AND have a business Cheerful surroundings - Comfortable atmosphere - Community destination For more information call: 407-294-1494, ext. 107

Facebook.com/VisitWestOaks • WestOaksMall.com 236696

Proud Chamber Member for 20 Years

Be part of the excitement... Monthly events - Marketing programs - Property services Easy, fun and convenient The placeWest to shop AND have a business boutique Orange Chamber of Commerce Welcoming surroundings - Comfortable atmosphere - Community destination

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Celebrating Extraordinary Women

For more information on how to bring your business here call:

17th Annual

407-294-1494

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An evening of cocktails and conversation April 20 • 5:30-7:30pm • Co-Op Ballroom

Sat. – April 8th • 9 am – 5 pm Sun. – April 9th • 11 am – 4 pm

Event Sponsors: Dawn Gilmore Productions | Fifth Third Bank Light RX Face & Body | Lynn Walker Wright, P.A. Pammie's Sammies

In beautiful Historic Downtown Winter Garden

Join us at the Roper Garden Building’s Co-Op Ballroom in Historic Downtown Winter Garden for our newest women’s-only, networking and informational event. This event provides West Orange’s leading women the opportunity to share ideas and gain inspiration from other successful businesswomen in a fun, casual environment.

Featuring Special Guest Presenters

Congresswoman Val Demings U.S. Representative, Florida Congressional District 10 Antonia Novello, M.D. 14th Surgeon General of the United States

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

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Tickets available at wochamber.com. Chamber member advance rate: $30 Non-member & at the door rate: $40

Two Day Festival with many plant, nature and wildlife related vendors. 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.

springfeveringarden.com

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Presented by:

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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CAN YOU DIG IT? The two-day Spring Fever in the Garden in downtown Winter Garden will offer everything related to the lawn and garden.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

pring Fever in the Garden, the area’s largest flower and plant sale, is taking place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 8, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 9, along Plant Street and the side streets of downtown Winter Garden. The Bloom & Grow Garden Society is hosting its 17th annual springtime event, which is being dedicated to Vera Carter, a former District 1 Orange County commissioner and founding member of Bloom & Grow. Her memorabilia will be set up at Heller Hall in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s History Research and Education Center. The event includes the sidewalk chalk art contest, gardeninspired and garden-related vendors, entertainment, a silent auction and a fun Kidzone. The Natural Market will have vendors selling natural and organic items. The Butafrog butterfly tent will be set up for visitors to interact with live butterflies. A plant pick-up point will be located at Main and Smith streets for buyers to gather their items after they have finishing shopping.

2017

Garden Art Auction • Raffles • Entertainment • Food • Kidzone

www.springfeveringarden.com

COME SEE US! For a map and information about Spring Fever in the Garden, visit the West Orange Times & Observer booth.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Readers react to this year’s April Fools’ spoof

f you follow us on social media (and if not, you should), it is likely you read our exclusive “breaking news” Saturday, April 1. The story, “Winter Garden bans bicyclists,” was part of Observer Media Group’s annual April Fools’ spoofs, and it certainly caused a bit of a dust-up online. The story claimed Winter Garden city officials had banned bicyclists from riding in downtown Winter Garden. Instead, they would have to take apart their bicycles (after first purchasing tool kits from either the Winter Garden Station or Tildenville Outpost). Once the bicycle was disassembled, they would then

carry the pieces in cardboard boxes through downtown. We saw reactions of all kinds — ranging from incredulity and rage to complete joy and even disappointment that it wasn’t true. And yes, we even tricked a few readers. We’re sorry. … Kinda … We hope our 2017 spoof gave you a laugh — we believe now, perhaps more than ever, we all could use one. And if you haven’t seen the story, you still can read it at OrangeObserver. com. Here are some of our favorite responses to the story. — MICHAEL ENG

CHALKIN’ IT UP

Give Ron Hawkins some watercolors or acrylic paints, a pen, charcoal or chalk. Provide a surface on which to create: canvas, sidewalks, even Adirondack chairs. And suggest a subject: flora and fauna, people and places. In no time, he will present a finished piece of art, something he’s been doing since he was 3. Hawkins is among the people creating art from sticks of chalk during the Chalkin’ It Up sidewalk chalk art contest, taking place Saturday morning during the Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s 17th annual Spring Fever in the Garden. The Orlando resident and lifelong artist has participated in the Winter Garden contest every year but one. He is partial to birds and aquatic life. One year, he created a three-dimensional piece with birds; he will do another 3-D piece this Saturday featuring a tri-colored heron standing in a pond surrounded by daffodils. “We’re considered a performance art,” Hawkins said of chalk artists. “People always see artwork, but they see the finished product and they don’t really see what goes into creating the artwork. I’ve had a three-day (chalk) project before, and I’ve had people come and watch every day.” He and an artist friend refer to it as zen art. “We start with a blank piece of concrete, we create a piece, and then nature takes it back to nothing,” he said. Hawkins has been participating in chalk art contests since 1995 and has won several awards. Cash prizes totaling $2,100 will be awarded to the best chalk artists in this popular sidewalk art contest. Artists of all ages are invited to create a nature-related image within a six- by six-foot square in front of City Hall. Judging takes place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. This is sponsored by Florida Hospital. For information, contact Brenda Knowles (407) 4963428 or brendaknowles1257@ gmail.com. Contact Amy Quesinberry at amyq@orangeobserver.com.

WHAT YOU SAID … Just wanted to say thank you for the laugh — the April Fools’ Day article was a gem. My husband and I were duped for a solid 40 minutes (though perhaps I shouldn’t admit this). As we were discussing the article, and the enforceability of such an ordinance, we happened to drive through downtown. Just as I said, “Why are all of these people still on bikes,” it hit us, and we both had a really, really good laugh. I’m still chuckling about it. Thanks again! We’ll be on our toes next year. — LINDY GORDON

I must say — you got me. I live four blocks from downtown and love riding my bike here. I could not believe I could no longer ride my bike on the trail. The fine $5,000 should have given it away, but know I fell for it. Good going. — LUIS VELAZQUEZ

Too bad this was a joke. It’s a serious problem — maybe a life could have been saved. Not an April Fools’ joke. Just a stupid joke. (Whoever) came up with it is an idiot! — EVELYN RIVERA

I wish they would seriously ban them from the road or have patrols to pull them over and fine them for breaking the laws, but it appears getting them to comply and be good citizens is only a foolish idea. — MICHELE GUSTAFSON

Sounds like George Bailey! — WARD BRITT

If you don’t click onto any other part of the article you won’t find out that it’s an April Fools’ joke. It can cause problems because unfortunately, bikers are riding through the trail without regards for the rules at all right now and don’t stop when they are supposed to at stop signs on the trail. Cars can’t stop on a dime, you know. — LINDA FEENEY

Got about a quarter of the way through, and I knew (it was a joke) when they started talking about carrying bikes in cardboard boxes! — BECKY GRIESER

I heard that baseball, Italian eateries, outdoor malls, barbecue, farmers markets and craft-beer establishments are also banned. — KYLE EAZSOL

Please tell me this is a crazy April Fools’ joke. I can’t imagine Winter Garden without the West Orange Trail. What I loved most when I lived in Winter Garden was being able to run from my door to the trail. — REBEKAH YATES

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

WINDERMERE

Teens launch LJ Services “I’ve gained so much knowledge about business and entrepreneurship. It’s really fun telling people that you have your own business.” — Juan Pedraza

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.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

McDonald’s jobs, they both knew that kind of work wasn’t for them. “We didn’t want an everyday job,” said Pedraza, a junior. So the two boys put their heads together and decided to do their own thing. They posted a notice on the Summerport’s neighborhood website, and clients started trickling in. “We wanted to start locally then hopefully start expanding,” Pedraza said. For each job, the teenagers visit the clients and determine a price. The have no set prices and determine the value of each job individually. Some of their jobs have been more intensive, taking several days to complete. Other jobs, such as a car wash, only take a few hours. But for Varona and Pedraza, the best part is being in control of their schedules. “We’re the bosses,” said Varona. “We don’t take orders,” Pedraza chimed in. And the added bonus is getting to work outside. “We love the outdoors, and we get to be outdoors all the time,” Pedraza said. For now, both teenagers said they’re saving money for whatever the future holds — college, a chance to help their families or maybe a fun purchase or two. And with summer around the corner, they’re hoping to fill their savings accounts as much as possible.

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 Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Brittany Gaines, bgaines@Orange Observer.com Brittany Gaines

LJ Services, started by high-schoolers Luis Varona, left, and Juan Pedraza provides services such as lawn care and car washes to clients.

LJ SERVICES Need a helping hand? Contact LJ Services at familiapedraza7@gmail.com or call Luis Varona at (787) 4227814.

“We want to get as many clients as we can to get as much as we can,” Varona said. And they might have a friend or two whom they hope to employ in their business venture in the coming weeks and months. “With more clients, we can add

more workers and expand the business,” Pedraza said. So far, the two have learned a lot about owning their own business, and both said they are interested in studying business in college. “I’ve gained so much knowledge about business and entrepreneurship,” Pedraza said. “It’s really fun telling people that you have your own business.” For now, the two mostly work on the weekends and focus on their homework during the week. Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

Windermere rec center to receive new dock STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE Anglers soon will get the chance to cast their lines at a new spot. Town leaders approved the construction contract for a new fishing pier during the March 28 Town Council meeting. The new fishing dock will be constructed at the Windermere Recreation Center, formerly known as the Butler Bay Recreation Center, at the same site that formerly hosted a fishing dock that was deemed irreparable in 2013 and closed to the public. The new pier, which will be constructed by Summertime Deck and Dock LLC, will cost $44,000

— $32,000 of which will be paid using a grant the town received from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program. The remaining $12,000 will be taken from the town’s Parks and Recreation budget. The pier will be made from Southern yellow pine and extend 140 feet out into Lake Crescent, with a 4-foot-wide walkway measuring 130 feet in length and a 10-foot-by-20-foot rectangular platform with benches and a roof structure. Windermere mayor Gary Bruhn said an estimated construction timeline has not yet been released. Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

Michelle Gentry, mgentry@Orange Observer.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Ann Marie Vibbert, avibbert@Orange Observer.com Pam Zerblas, pzerblas@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Kathleen Carreiro, kcarreiro@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@Orange Observer.com

The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver. com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com. Courtesy photo

Windermere mayor Gary Bruhn presented former Council Member Molly Rose with a plaque recognizing her leadership and dedication to the town during her eight years of service. Pictured: Mayor Gary Bruhn, council members John Armstrong, Rose, Robert McKinley, Jim O’Brien and Allen Pichon.

IN OTHER NEWS n After winning re-election March 14, incumbents James “Jim” O’Brien and Robert “Bob” McKinley, along with new Council Member Richard Montgomery, took the oath of office. Each will serve two-year terms that expire March 2019.

n Upon evaluation of Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith’s management of town staff and regular duties, Smith was approved for a $5,000 salary increase. Smith, who was hired Oct. 25, 2011, with an annual salary of $92,000, will earn a salary of $120,000 starting Oct. 1. Courtesy photo

Advertising Executives

For display or digital advertising, call (407) 656-2121. For Classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

n Molly Rose was recognized for her eight years of service to the town in her former role as town council member from March 2009 to March 2017.

Upgrades will cost $44,000.

dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE

Town officials approved the construction of a new fishing pier on Lake Crescent in the recreation center. GABBY BAQUERO

Danielle Hendrix,

n Financial services firm, McDirmit Davis and Company LLC, presented its analysis and report of the independent audit it conducted of the town’s financial statements for fiscal year 2015-16. n The town approved the first reading of an amendment to an that relates to the moratorium previously placed on activities concerning medical cannabis. Town staff recommended the council extend the moratorium, which was set to expire May 23, until Dec. 15. n Windermere resident Sean Hooke was appointed to the Downtown Business Committee.

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.

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Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman / David Beliles Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Plant City Times & Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Windermere Observer, Winter Park/Maitland Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record, Jacksonville Realty-Builder Connection, LWR Life, Season Magazine and Baldwin Park Living

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

DAY CAMP 2017

BROADWAY VOCAL CAMP

y al l i d e or o th c re d t a u vite o Y in

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61 Annual st

Easter Sunday Service

Sunday, April 16, 2017 - 7:00 a.m. 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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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

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Spring cleaning this weekend? Donate those gently used items you’ve stored for too long furniture, lighting fixtures, household treasures to the ReStore!

Call (407)905-0406 for FREE pick-up or bring smaller items to the ReStore 13369 West Colonial Drive

(between 9th and Dillard Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden)

www.westorangehabitat.org

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Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday

Quest Church presents

Good Friday April 14th 7:30pm

The top three male 5K finishers congratulated one another upon crossing the finish line.

Don’t miss this dramatic retelling of the crucifixion through the eyes of Mary Magdalene, The Centurion, Simon of Cyrene and the Apostle Peter.

1450 Citrus Oaks Ave.• Gotha, FL 34734 ADMISSION FREE

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The Way of the Cross

Blueberries You-Pick

Lakefront race attracts area runners

ore than 1,000 runners took to the roads and trails surrounding Windermere’s scenic lakes during the 16th annual Run Among the Lakes Saturday, April 1. This year, the event included not only a 5K race but also a 10K race, along with a kids’ race. The Run Among the Lakes benefits the town of Windermere’s Parks and Recreation Department. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

NOW OPEN

Andy and Bob Wind hoisted Joe and Max on their shoulders as baby Sarah relaxed in her stroller.

Open 7 days a week 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

OPEN EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 16!!

5K female first- and third-place winners Elizabeth Wind, right, and Sarah Best, left, pose for a photo with Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn.

12500 Overstreet Rd • Windermere beckblueberries11@gmail.com

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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Overstreet Rd is approx. 8 miles south of Hwy 50 on Hwy 535, just West of Chase Rd.

ONLINE

Creative Outdoor Dining to Benefit Matthew’s Hope

Presents

MC for the evening Scott Maxwell

The Ort Law Firm 1305 E. Plant Street (Formally Britt Mansion) will be hosting.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

The most creative table will be recognized for their efforts.

Entertainment for the evening Comedian Kay Francis

For more information and/or to reserve your table visit: www.matthewshopeministries.org/Annual-Garden-Party www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries or call 407-905-9500

Saturday, April 22, 2017 6:00 - 9:00PM

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LDI

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

STUDENTSHOWCASE

ARTS + CULTURE WATCH THIS 2017 Dr. Phillips High School Theatre Magnet Annual Gala 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. The Dr. Phillips High School Theater Magnet will host its annual gala, which will feature music, food and student performances, including the cast of “Rent,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and “The Last Five Years.” The dinner and silent auction begin at 5 p.m., and the performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at bit. ly/2oBzMWb.

TRY THIS

During the grand opening of The Knight Gallery at The Exchange, several senior art students worked on their art in the courtyard.

Ocoee High School held the grand opening for its new art gallery Wednesday, March 29.

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER OCOEE

he budding artists at Ocoee High School now have a place to show-

case their talents. The school held a grand opening on Wednesday, March 29, for its new art gallery — The Knight Gallery at The Exchange.

Wild Art Exhibition 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. The Winter Garden Art Association will feature a new art exhibition for the month of April at the SoBo Gallery. This exhibition, called “Wild,” will showcase artwork related to nature, plants and animals. The featured artists of Julie Kessler. The opening night festivities include food, drinks and a chance to meet some of the artists. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit wgart.org.

LEARN THIS

“We’re so excited about it,” said Janet Bergh, one of the school’s art teachers. “We didn’t have a good place to display (the stuPhotos by Brittany Gaines

Angela Mears, a senior, was one of several students working on art pieces during the grand opening of The Knight Gallery.

dents’) work, but this is front and center. I’m really proud of the work that the kids do.”

SEE OCOEE PAGE 11 “This is what makes education powerful. The more opportunities we have to showcase their talents, the better. This is our playing ground for our artists.” — Principal Laura Beusse

Table for Two 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Award-winning cookbook author Warren Caterson shares dozens of kitchen tips, cooking hints and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of cooking. Warren will demonstrate how easy it can be to cook for two, using fresh and readily available ingredients. A book sale and signing will follow the event. Tablefortwocookbooks.com.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Cliona Nestor brought all kinds of sweet treats from Ms. Bee’s.

Lovelene Charlitte helped teammates from Orange Technical College Westside Campus’s culinary team prepare petit lamb chops.

Best of the West M

ore than 1,000 people came out to Starke Lake Thursday, March 30, for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Best Fest. Also known as Taste of West Orange, Best Fest featured more than 60 vendors who all brought their best food, drinks and desserts.

2017 WINNERS n BEST FOOD: Table Top Catering n BEST BOOTH: Observer Media Group n BEST DESSERT: Nothing Bundt Cakes n BEST DRINK: Pilars Martini n BEST HEALTH OPTION: Press’D

Windermere Town Council Member Bob McKinley, Oakland Town Commissioner Joseph McMullen and Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn stopped to chat while they enjoyed food samples.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com From left: Yolanda Johnson, Mike Camilli, Juanita McEachem and Pam Thomas represented Pammie’s Sammies at Best Fest.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

MAKE YOUR DREAMS OF HOMEOWNERSHIP INTO REALITY! GET ON PATH TO BUY THE HOME YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED ABOUT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Windermere Preparatory School Headmaster Tom Macy and his wife, Sharon, came out to the fundraising event.

Homeownership is a dream that FCB can help you make happen, and it’s easier than you think! FCB’s Affordable Home Loan Program can help you overcome:

Candace and Michael Martinez loved the festivities at Party at the Pines.

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ore than 300 people attended the Party at the Pines, held Saturday, April 1, at The Pines of Windermere. The event, hosted by the Windermere Prep Volunteer Association, was a fundraiser for scholarships and school-related events and activities. It’s been several years since the WPVA held this annual event, but this year, the organization decided to give the event another try, said WPVA president Kelly Hanning. All the funds raised will go to support the 2017-18 school year.

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Lisa Andra, left, and Shannon Tanner were happy to raise money for Windermere Prep.

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THESE OLD TIMES 80 years ago

Leader Department Store on Plant Street sold flowered silk print frocks and sheer chiffons for $1.98 to $4.98.

65 years ago

Mrs. Bert Edward Roper and Mrs. Jimmy McKey honored Mrs. John Girvin with a shower.

45 years ago

Winter Garden Mayor George Barley accepted the challenge of Ocoee Mayor Hubert Fox to walk in the Community Youth Walk sponsored by the West Orange Jaycees. Pledges of money for each mile walked will be used to provide additional recreational areas in the two cities. The West Orange Junior Service League is presenting puppet shows at the West Orange Branch Library to children. The first program was presented to HeadStart children by Kitty Osburn, Kelly Hicks, Elaine Beebe, Dottie Walker and Marjorie Hill.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

35 years ago

Nurseryman Hermann Engelmann had a birthday party for his pet rock, which is now

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Former President Ronald Reagan visited Epcot Center and spoke to 1,000 guests at the American Gardens Amphitheatre.

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Postal worker G. Murphy appears in this photograph from April 1951. At that time, the Winter Garden post office was located in the Black Building at 111 W. Plant St. (today’s Cappleman Building). The Boutique on Plant Street occupies the space today. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation doesn’t have much information about mail handler G. Murphy, so call the (407) 656-3244 if you can help.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.

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4,328,000,000 years old. “We had difficulty at first finding out if it was male or female,” he said. “We wanted to find a mate for it because this is now mating season for pet rocks. Before long, we should see a lot of little pebbles in our front yard.”

30 years ago

At least three locals participated in the Tyco Air Show in Titus-

ville: Selby Burch flew his P-51 Mustang, his son Billy flew his PT-22, and his son Scott was in his AT-6. The Burches’ planes are hangared in Kissimmee.

10 years ago

The West Orange Girls Club held its official groundbreaking ceremonies on the 10 acres on Story Road being leased to it by Food Machinery Corporation for 10 years at $1 per year.

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but many students saw it for the first time during the grand opening. To mark the occasion, students gathered outside the gallery to listen to music from the school’s Jazz Band and Concert Choir, while several of the senior art students set up easels in the courtyard to work on their art. After a short presentation from Principal Laura Beusse, the ribbon to the gallery was cut, and the doors opened. “This is what makes education powerful,” Beusse said about the opening of the gallery. “The more opportunities we have to showcase their talents, the better. This is our playing ground for our artists.” The Knight Gallery will operate like most other art galleries, changing out the artwork on a regular basis to feature different artists. Currently, the display features photographs, drawings, watercolor paintings, acrylic paintings and graphic designs.

“This is a great way to show the talents that the school possesses,” said senior Katelyn Murphy, who had a photograph featured in the gallery. Because the gallery is located on school grounds, anyone who is interested in visiting it must make an appointment with the school’s front office, but Bergh said the school would be happy to give tours to anyone who visits. Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

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Located in the 800 building, the gallery fills the space that previously was occupied by the school store. Because the students use electronic devices in class, supplies such as pens and paper weren’t needed, so the school decided to shut down the store and turn it over to the art department. In January, the art department began work on converting the neglected store into their new gallery, clearing out the unwanted school supplies and painting the walls. Now, the walls are covered in a variety of students’ artwork, from photographs to paintings. “They talked about it for a really long time, so it’s great that it’s finally opening,” said junior Alexis Romesco. “It helps the students showcase their creativity and what they can do.” For Kacy Cartwright, the chance to showcase her artwork in the gallery serves as an inspiration. “I really like it because it gives me a chance to display my work,” the junior said. “None of the students at school ever sees what I do, and I put hours and hours into my work. (The gallery) makes me more motivated to put more stuff in here.” The school held a soft opening for the gallery earlier in March,

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Third-grader designs yearbook cover The Sunset Park Elementary’s PTO held a contest to determine this year’s yearbook cover.

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HORIZON WEST This year’s Sunset Park Elementary yearbook will feature an original piece by one of its students. Third-grader Aiden Cubero’s piece, inspired by the school’s eagle mascot, was chosen as the winner of the Parent-Teacher Organization’s yearbook cover art contest. All students were eligible to submit a drawing for the contest, and out of all 49 entries, Aiden’s was selected as the winner. “I didn’t know I was going to win, but it actually happened,” Aiden said. “I felt really excited. My principal told me, ‘Great job’ and, ‘Congratulations.’ She was really happy, too.” While Aiden’s artwork will be featured on the front cover of the yearbook this year, all the students who submitted art also will see their pieces in the yearbook. “All the children’s work will appear on their grade page to honor that they gave the effort,” said Jane Benner, the PTO’s treasurer. For Aiden, drawing comes easily, and he said it is one of his hobbies. For Christmas, he got a drawing kit that included paper, colored pencils, paints and markers. “You can create things and color it in however you want,” he said about why he likes drawing. “You can get all creative with it.” When Aiden heard about the contest, he was excited to par-

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all drawings be turned in by Dec. 14 to be entered into the contest. Judges narrowed down the entries to the top 14 and then voted on the winner. Aiden’s artwork was revealed at the school’s recent Spring Fling Movie Night and Art Show. “We’re obviously very proud of him and try to embrace his hobby and encourage him towards any projects like that,” Jennifer said. “We’re super proud of him (for winning). It’s exciting; it’s very cool.” Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

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ticipate but didn’t know what he should draw. Per the contest requirements, he knew his drawing had to include the school’s name and mascot and had to be vertical. After thinking about it, he decided to base his entire drawing on the school’s mascot of an eagle. “It was fun to see his vision come to life,” said Aiden’s mom, Jennifer. “I watched him do it all. He had a picture up on my phone (of an eagle) and duplicated it. He added the sunset and beach all on his own.” His final drawing features an eagle flying over a beach with the sun setting behind it. He added the words “Sunset Park Elementary” at the top and bottom of his drawing and colored in the letters with the school’s colors. Once he knew what to draw, Aiden said it didn’t take him long to create his masterpiece — maybe an hour or two, he said. The PTO had requested that

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Aiden Cubero is a third-grader who loves drawing. He said drawing is one of his hobbies.

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

LUTHERAN

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Non-Denominational HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

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

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APRIL 6, 2017

SPORTS

A senior at The First Academy, Windermere resident Brooke Richards will graduate this spring and head to East Carolina University this fall to play lacrosse. Page 16.

HIGH

BUILDINGLAKERS 5 1

The Dr. Phillips flag football team coasted to a 34-0 victory over Evans March 29, bringing the Panthers to 3-1 on the season. Senior quarterback Kaylee Messina tossed five touchdowns. A gallery is available at ObserverPreps. com.

The Olympia baseball team split an important district series with Lake Brantley last week. The Titans (21-7 as of April 3) defeated the Patriots in the first game March 29, 3-2, and fell in another close game March 31, 7-6.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

s Kyle Gilbert was wrapping up a part-time role with the strength and conditioning program at the University of Central Florida four years ago, he began to survey the job landscape within the industry. One niche within the industry that was not on his radar was the high-school market, mostly because he did not know there was such a thing. At so many high schools, partly because of budget limitations, strength and conditioning programs are handled by coaches of other sports — usually the football program. But when his boss at UCF informed Gilbert that Danny Haney, then the athletic director at Windermere Prep, was looking for someone to start a strength and conditioning program on campus, he decided to listen to what they had to say — and he was impressed. “I came over, saw the vision and saw what they wanted to build,” Gilbert said. That vision included the construction of what is now a stateof-the-art weight room adjacent to the school’s gym, football field and baseball field. Being able to have input on the design and layout of that space was an opportunity that was too good to pass up. Before then, Windermere Prep had been like most other schools, with assistants on head coach Jacob Doss’ football staff running the offseason program. That’s when Haney and Doss, now the SEE LAKER PAGE 15

Steven Ryzewski

Kyle Gilbert feels at home in the weight room that he helped design at Windermere Prep.

Four years ago, Kyle Gilbert came to Windermere Prep to start the school’s strength and conditioning program. He changed the campus’ fitness culture along the way.

The Dr. Phillips baseball team topped Tavares April 3, 5-3, marking the Panthers’ third consecutive victory. Dr. Phillips also swept Lake Nona in a home-and-home last week. The Panthers are 9-6 as of April 4.

The Olympia softball team improved to 7-7 March 31 with a 5-0 win over Ocoee. Amanda Placencia went 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring twice.

Gilbert has worked hard to create a culture of competition in the weight room.

Congratulations to Ocoee senior Luke Henson for being recognized as our Observer Preps Athlete of the Week. For more on how the first baseman for the Knights (13-3) earned the honor, visit ObserverPreps.com.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Brooke Richards The First Academy senior Brooke Richards only started playing lacrosse her freshman year in high school, but since playing for both TFA and club team Storm Select, she has worked her way up to the collegiate level. Richards, from Windermere, will attend East Carolina University this fall on a partial athletic scholarship to play lacrosse.

What got you into lacrosse? I started playing my freshman year. I was playing at a PowderPuff football tournament at my school, and the lacrosse coach asked me if I wanted to play lacrosse. I’d never really heard of it before, it’s pretty new, and it was only their second or third year at TFA playing it. I was like, ‘All right, I’ll try it out,’ and I ended up loving it. How is your Storm team this season? It’s been good. I’m new to the team — I started this time last year with them — and they’d all been playing together for a while, so I was kind of the new kid on the block. But they welcomed me really well, and I love it. It’s helped me grow in the game, and the girls are all really friendly and encouraging, but they push you to be better than you were yesterday. What’s your favorite thing about lacrosse? I love the competitiveness and how it’s so new and everyone’s learning as we go. It’s really cool

THE BASICS AGE: 18 YEAR: Senior SCHOOL: The First Academy POSITION: Midfield and defense CLUB TEAM: Storm Select LAX HOMETOWN: Windermere Olympia’s boys team held on for an exciting 9-8 win against Lake Nona April 1.

Titans two-step to state

to see girls who have never played before really develop the stick work, and there’s a lot of skill involved. It’s not just about natural talent; you really have to learn how to use the sticks, score and position your body on the field.

Olympia High’s girls and boys water polo teams each won First Round Play-In Games last weekend, earning respective berths in this weekend’s FHSAA Water Polo Championships in Miami.

What have you learned from the game over the years? It’s taught me to be patient and go after anything. In three short years, I was able to play at the college level, and I never thought that would be something for me. But I’ve just learned you have to work hard, be patient and trust that things are going to work out the way they’re supposed to — and to not doubt yourself.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR ORLANDO The end result was the same for both the Olympia girls water polo team and its boys team: earning a place at state this weekend. The context and the details, though, were different — but just as exciting. Both the Titans girls and boys teams traveled April 1 to Lake Highland Prep to take on Lake Nona in their respective First Round Play-In Games of the FHSAA State Playoffs. For Olympia’s girls team, the 13-2 victory they scored secured a fourth consecutive trip to the FHSAA Water Polo Championships in South Florida, which begin with the state quarterfinal round. The Titans’ defeat of Lake Nona — the same team that had ended their season in 2014 and 2015 — also improved the team’s record to 28-0, continuing the team’s remarkable undefeated run after a perfect 25-0 regular season. “That’s not really our focus — the 25-0 (regular season) happened, (but) it wasn’t the goal,” head coach Stephanie

What are your future plans? I’m playing lacrosse at East Carolina University next year, so I’m super excited about that. I never thought I’d play lacrosse in college and didn’t know I was even able to. I’m going to study pre-med, I want to be a pediatrician. Do you have a favorite quote? “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you were capable of living,” from Nelson Mandela.

BRACKET-TOLOGY For complete brackets of the FHSAA Water Polo Championships, visit FHSAA.org.

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Johnson-Possell said. “The goal is one possession, one goal, one game at a time. That’s the goal, and good things are happening along the way.” Marcela Herrera had four steals, two assists and two scores for Olympia, while Jillian DeLisle had four scores, drew seven ejections and had two steals. In goal, Claire Ewoldt had 12 saves — good for an 83 percent save ratio — and two steals. Olympia will take on South Broward at 1:30 p.m. April 7 at Ransom Everglades High School in Miami. That result — the girls team making another state appearance — was not easy, but it was somewhat expected after the Titans finished as state runners-up in 2016 and brought back a large and talented senior class for this spring. Unlike their female counterparts, however, the Olympia boys team has not been to state since 2013 — the program’s only appearance. With a young roster, Johnson-Possell’s expectations were more focused on growth and improvement for the boys team this year. That, though, didn’t stop the Titans boys team from first topping rival Dr. Phillips in overtime in the district championship and then defeating Lake Nona in a 9-8 thriller April 1. “I am really, really proud of how they held it together today,” Johnson-Possell said. “Everything after the district win is

Photos by Steven Ryzewski

The Titans girls team will face South Broward April 7 in Miami.

icing on the cake — today was icing on the cake.” Jack Hyler led the Titans with five goals, two assists and a steal. Alec Johnson contributed seven steals, two scores and an assist and Ori Scanlon amassed 13 saves in goal to pair with four steals. With the game tied 8-8, Mario Lliev scored a go-ahead goal with 3:20 to play, and the Titans (21-7) held on for the 9-8 victory. Now, Olympia’s boys team will play St. Thomas Aquinas at 11 a.m. Friday, April 7, in its own state quarterfinal, with a chance to make even more history. “We graduated a class of seven boys last year,” JohnsonPossell said. “Our boys have just grown and grown. They have grown in leaps and bounds this year. They’ve exceeded all of my expectations, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

See more match highlights at ObserverPreps.com

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Laker athletes praise Gilbert CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

athletic director, decided to mimic what has become common in college athletics — having a specific coach for strength and conditioning. “It’s kind of filtering down to high school now, that you get someone who knows what they’re talking about,” Doss said. The results of bringing in Gilbert in the spring of 2013 were tangible. Although the Lakers football team went just 5-5 in the fall of 2013, once he had had a full year of working with them, Windermere Prep was suddenly a juggernaut on the gridiron. The Lakers went a perfect 10-0 in 2014 and won the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s Florida Bowl Championship. Doss and his staff knew part of the difference was the team’s improved strength, explosiveness and endurance — and the athletes recognized it, too. “You know in the end that (each lift or drill) is always for a greater purpose,” said Skyler Rideout, now a senior. “He creates an environment where you want to push yourself — you don’t want to stay average forever.” The effects transcended just football, too. Doss said athletes from swimmers to girls volleyball players have repeated a common refrain to their coaches: They feel more explosive in their movements and less fatigued late in games. Xion Golding, a senior on the Lakers basketball team, came to campus as a skinny ballplayer

who played a finesse style of the game. Four years later, you surely wouldn’t know that by looking at him. “(Working with Gilbert) completely changed my body,” Golding said. “When I came here as a freshman, I was really skinny, wasn’t that fast and couldn’t really jump. By the middle of my sophomore year, I started noticing changes in my body. It’s like a feeling you get. You feel more explosive.” From Jacksonville, where he played football and was on the weightlifting team at Bishop Kenny, Gilbert said he always felt at home in the weight room. “I kind of enjoyed the off-season of sports I played in high school more than I enjoyed in-season,” Gilbert said. “I never missed a day.” Gilbert knew he wanted to be involved in sports when he went to college, initially choosing to study athletic training at Florida State University. He quickly realized, though, that the reactive nature of being an athletic trainer wasn’t for him. He wanted to be working with athletes on the front end, so he transferred to UCF, where he could intern and apprentice under master strength coach Ed Ellis — a star within the college strength and conditioning industry. Gilbert learned a lifetime worth of information while at UCF under Ellis, and his knowledge has been crucial in getting the buy-in of a WPS student body chock full of future Ivy Leaguers. “Kids now want to know why — and he’s so good at that,” Doss said. “(Gilbert) knows the science behind every movement.”

Gilbert has embraced the highlevel of academia on the campus. “These kids are cream-of-thecrop academic kids, so I can do more high-level things and put more on them where I don’t necessarily have to babysit them,” Gilbert said. Where he once dreamed of working with college athletes, Gilbert now is obsessed with building college athletes. “If you’re a DII kid, I want you to become DI-AA. If you’re a DIAA, I wanted you to be a DI kid,” Gilbert said. “That’s the process here.” Rideout is a good example of that philosophy. After skipping his freshman season because of a lack of interest, Rideout bought into Gilbert’s training plan and went from a kid with virtually no shot at playing beyond in high school to an athlete who will play Division III football in Pennsylvania this fall. “He’s a great kid with a great attitude,” Doss said. “And then, all of a sudden, he started getting really strong and explosive.” It is a transformation that is not lost upon the Lakers seniors. “I was reluctant,” Rideout recalled. “(Working with Gilbert) has entirely changed my life.” Now, workouts in the weight room are something Rideout and his teammates always look forward to — with one exception. “Unless it’s front squats,” Rideout said with a laugh. “That’s completely awful.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

Courtesy photo

The JJV Lions finished the season with an 11-2 record.

Holy Family JJV team wins championships The Holy Family Catholic School sixth-grade boys basketball team — referred to as the school’s JJV team — compiled an 11-2 record this season and won both the Catholic Youth Sports Championship and the Diocese of Orlando Championship. The Lions defeated St. Mary Magdalen in the CYS Championship, 27-16, before defeating St. Brendan in the diocesan championship in Daytona Beach, 42-23. Head coach Joe Thompson said his players have relied on their core values to attain success. “I promote three words that are three values that I push on the boys: faith, family and team,” Thompson said. “In basketball,

it takes a team to win.” Thompson, a 11-year veteran coaching volunteer at HFCS, said his team improved as the season went on — another key to its success. “Our scoring went up about 1.5 times, and our defense got stiffer,” Thompson said. “We allowed less points at the end of the season than we did in the beginning.” As the school has done in the past, Thompson likely will continue coaching this group of boys as seventh-graders and then eighth-graders as they prepare to hopefully become high school basketball players in the future. — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce would like to relay a heartfelt thank you to the restaurants & businesses that participated in this event, we could not have made this event a success without you. Also, a sincere thank you to the sponsors, volunteers, attendees and supporters of our 2017 BEST FEST ‘The Taste of West Orange.’ Presenting Sponsor:

Premier Sponsor:

Participating Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Event Sponsors: Apple Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. | Critical Intervention Services, Inc. Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital | Reed Nissan

WINNERS BEST FOOD - Table Top Catering BEST BEVERAGE - Pilars Martini BEST DESSERT - Nothing Bundt Cakes BEST BUSINESS BOOTH – Observer Media Group BEST HEALTHY OPTION – Press’d Juice Bar & Kitchen

THANKS TO OUR VENDORS

231413

Visit wochamber.com to see photos from this year’s event!

234906

4Rivers Smokehouse • ADT Security Services Resident/Custom Homes • Any Lab Test Now • Bates New England Seafood & Steakhouse Black Rock Bar & Grill • Brookdale Senior Living Solutions • Cathee Brady Catering • Chick-fil-A Ocoee and Winter Garden Computer Business Consultants • Costco Business Center • Costco Wholesale Millenia • Cracker Barrel • Crooked Can Brewing Company Dead Lizard Brewing Company • Disney Springs Taco Food Truck • EmbroidMe • Foundation Academy • Gator’s Dockside Hagan O'Reilly's Irish Pub and Restaurant • HAPCO Music Foundation • House Blend Café • Jeremiah's Italian Ice • Jones Homes USA Kona Ice of NW Orlando • LDI • Matthew's Hope Ministries • Mission Inn Resort & Club • Mol's Photo Booth • Ms. Bee's Popcorn & Candy Shoppe My Direct MD • Nothing Bundt Cakes • Orange Buick GMC • Orange Technical College - Westside Campus Culinary Team • Pammie's Sammies Pilars Martini • Press'd Juice Bar & Kitchen • Richmond American Homes • RusTeak • SeaWorld Orlando • Sprint • Table Top Catering Takeout Waiter Restaurant Delivery and Marketing • The Attic Door • The Big Easy • The Chiropractic Center • The Deli Downtown The Vineyard, Wine Bar and Healthy Bistro • The Vitality Center Orlando • TooJay's Restaurant and Deli • Trustco Bank • Two Men And A Truck • UFC Gym

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W EAT HER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST THURSDAY, APRIL 6 High: 78 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 60%

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 High: 74 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 0%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 6

7:11a

7:47p

Friday, April 7

7:10a

7:47p

Saturday, April 8

7:09a

7:48p

Sunday, April 9

7:08a

7:48p

Monday, April 10

7:06a

7:49p

Tuesday, April 11

7:05a

7:50p

Wednesday, April 12

7:04a

7:50p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 High: 75 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 0%

Winter Garden resident Valerie Wigmore submitted this beautiful image. It shows the moon over palms with reflection of sunset at Lake Apopka. The Windermere 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, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

High: 82 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 0%

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

April 10 Full

April 19 Last

April 26 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, March 28

0.00

Wednesday, March 29

0.00

Thursday, March 30

0.00

Friday, March 31

0.00

Saturday, April 1

0.00

Sunday, April 2

0.01

Monday, April 3

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

APRIL TO DATE:

2017

3.13 in.

0.01 in.

2016 0.40 in.

2016 11.06 in.

235835

ONLINE

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

April 3 First

98 Symbols of perfection 101 Mind game (Part 3 of 4) 108 Big name in aluminum foil 109 “Green” prefix 110 Furniture producers? 111 Mince words? 112 Dirty delta deposits 113 Mind game (Part 4 of 4) 114 Some Eastern rulers 115 “Monster” of a southwest lizard 116 Words with heart or seat 117 Snaky warning or a radiator’s “I’m working” 118 Ketchup alternative 119 Window part

DOWN

ACROSS

1 Shortened word, shortened 5 Sound of a fat tomato hitting a floor 10 Backups to starters 14 Revolver in a subway 19 A ___ coincidence 20 Bonnie’s crime mate 21 Riding piggyback, e.g. 22 Kind of colony for cons 23 Restaurant offering 24 Mr. Goldfinger 25 Hamilton dueler 26 Hops dryers 27 Mind game (Part 1 of 4) 31 Spiritual session?

32 Leavened flatbread of India 33 Battering, powerful wind 34 Expires permanently 35 Fighter’s weapon 36 Slight, itty-bitty bit 37 Guiding principle, in Chinese philosophy 40 Dispatch boat 43 Pleasant to be around 44 Words before “new world’s record” 45 Place of many wagers 46 Totally drunk 47 Common delivery of long ago? 52 People-funny link

53 Badgerlike animal 54 Australian parrot 55 Crowning high points 56 Cycle in one’s sleep 57 DeLuise of comedy films 58 Title for Shakespeare 59 ___-Wan Kenobi 60 Mind game (Part 2 of 4) 69 Landing guess 70 Bottom-heavy fruit 71 Some spaces in papers 72 Direction opposite WSW 73 Skillful 76 Societal square peg in a round hole 77 Sawyer of news and journalism

1 Shells and arrows, e.g. 2 Complaints, in slang 3 Supporting neckwear? 4 Puts in more 1-Down 5 Hard to come by 6 Good points or assets 7 Harplike instrument of long ago 8 Miner’s “doorway” 9 Type of foul in the NBA 10 Midnight assembly of witches 11 One-eighty 12 Tora ___ (Afghanistan region) 13 Full of spirit and vitality 14 Ruined, as foodstuff 15 Ruffle, as hair 16 “Meet Me ___ Louis” 17 Stucco backing 18 “So what ___ is new?” 80 All-hours cash source 81 Meeting without traveling 28 Word before jack and after student 85 Flashy dance maneuver 29 Palette stand 86 Seaside-soaring eagle 30 Water nymph of mythol87 Cheers for working a ogy cape with skill 35 Arson result 88 Fails to be 36 Creepy one 89 Up to now 37 Senator’s six years 91 “Under the ___” (“The 38 Kitty feeder, in poker Little Mermaid” song) 92 He had multiple bad hare 39 Utterances of admiration 40 Early morning sound days? 41 Olive-green songbird 93 Hoo-has and other big 42 Grocery checkout units fusses 43 Crazy fan 94 Small inlet 44 Type of person who can’t 96 CD word 97 Cain’s unfortunate victim deliver tall tales?

45 Product from castor beans 48 Cinnamon buns’ enticement 49 Pack down dirt 50 “The ___ of the Cave Bear” 51 Rum cakes 57 “I’ll have the same” 58 Soap unit 59 City near Salt Lake City 61 Native American dwelling of old 62 Popped a cork 63 Yachting hazards 64 Sign from a third base coach meaning “don’t swing” 65 Wife of a rajah 66 Kind of narrow eyes 67 Undo, as a knot 68 Dangle carrots in front of 73 Farewells of old Rome 74 Likely to end badly 75 Landlady of Laverne and Shirley 76 Gilts 77 Leaves in the lurch 78 Quality and Holiday, for two 79 Pretend to be a different person? 82 Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bob 83 Horse’s burden 84 It’s pounded for order 90 Sailor’s bearings 92 ___ fiddle (quite healthy) 93 Monastery VIPs 94 Ticket-writing troopers, e.g. 95 Texas city 96 Thing sometimes played on a musical instrument 97 Hanging tapestry 99 Groucho’s Tattooed Lady 100 Various garden mixtures 101 Sprint 102 Sections of pelvises 103 655 in Roman numerals 104 Disgusted grunts 105 “___ la Douce” (film) 106 Armstrong or Diamond 107Home of the Jazz hoopsters

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

“CXMHNX EHZ JGNNE G TXNFHV, EHZ FPHZBA MLNFW JGSX WPXJ ZFX G UHJTZWXN RLWP FBHR LVWXNVXW WH FXX RPH WPXE NXGBBE GNX.”

– RLBB MXNNXBB

“X YOUB BF S CFKBFV, SGG ZO CXC YSL LIKE NGFFC AVFW WP UOKE. CFU’B JF LOO CFKBFV SKIGS.” – WXBKZ ZOCNOVJ Puzzle Two Clue: I equals U

THE ORGAN PLAYS YOU by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: S equals K

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

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

4-6-17

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OrangeObserver.com

AUTO SERVICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

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Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

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COMMUNITY GARAGE Sale - Wickham Park (off Overstreet Rd). Saturday, April 8. 8AM - 3 PM. 4/6wp

Puzzle One Solution: “Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet to see who they really are.” – Will Ferrell

Merchandise Wanted 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

NOW PURCHASING

Puzzle Two Solution: “I went to a doctor, all he did was suck blood from my neck. Don’t go see Doctor Acula.” – Mitch Hedberg

SCRAP BATTERIES

This week’s Sudoku answers 236122

Here's My Card

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KILLS ROACHES-GUARANTEED! Buy Harris Roach Tablets or Spray. Odorless, Long Lasting. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com. Try Harris Bed Bug Killers Too! 4/6fcan

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COMPUTERS

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MORE THAN JUST

This week’s Crossword answers

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

237344

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

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4/30/15

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

HOUSE + HOME

Made with

LOVE

“It’s just two English mums that love to craft and make things.”

— Tina Butler

DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

HORIZON WEST

ettering spells out “Home Sweet Home” across a blue-stained piece of wood pallet, while a smaller wood sign is painted white and stamped, “This Is Us.” The rustic signs are the handiwork of Horizon West residents and British natives Tina Butler and Belinda Szaranek White. The two women are the creative masterminds behind their side business, Heart & Two Souls. They take their creativity and turn it into craftsmanship through the design and production of home décor — mostly signs and small pieces of furniture.

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

Some of the smaller signs Heart & Two Souls can make are emblazoned with any phrase or word the customer chooses.

Horizon West residents and British natives Tina Butler and Belinda Szaranek White create hand-crafted home décor for their business, Heart & Two Souls.

SEE SOUL PAGE 20

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Meet the soul sisters

HEART & TWO SOULS BY BELTINA FACEBOOK: facebook. com/heartandtwosouls ETSY: etsy.com/shop/ heartand2souls WEBSITE: heartandtwosouls.com EMAIL: heartandtwosouls@hotmail.com INSTAGRAM: heartandtwosouls

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Butler said she and White always found it hard to decide on a name, but the main reason is simple: They put their heart and soul into every piece they make. They also decided to combine their names and make the official name “Heart and Two Souls by Beltina.” Most signs range from $12 to $55.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

It started about three years ago, when Butler’s father died. She knew she couldn’t sit around the house without getting upset, and although she said she’s never been crafty, she found herself at Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts. “I went to Jo-Ann’s and got wooden letters, scrap paper and embellishments and made it for my daughter and put it on Facebook,” Butler said. “My friends went, ‘I love it! Can you make me some?’ Then, Belinda offered to craft together one day, and that’s how it all started — buying bits at Jo-Ann’s, making things, and friends would buy them. We’d laugh, chat and cry together. It just started from there and slowly we went into designing our own pieces and cutting the wood ourselves.” But there’s also a story behind the friendship. Although the Butlers have been in Florida for more than a decade, the Whites relocated from England about three years ago and purchased the Butlers’ lawn business. “Where we lived in England, they lived five to 10 minutes down from the road, and Belinda worked not even five minutes away from me and yet we’d never met each other,” Butler said. “We ended up meeting 4,500 miles from our home years later. It’s just two English mums that love to craft and make things.”

Lake Butler | $2,690,000

Wonderful lake house primely located on one acre of manicured grounds with 113 ft of sandy shoreline. 5,400 sf offers luxurious master suite, office and bonus room. Resort style backyard with stone patio, heated pool and spa, summer kitchen and boat house.

Courtleigh Park | $489,000

Large greenbelt lot offers space and privacy for this one story 4/3 home. Bright kitchen with vaulted ceilings adjoins family room with fireplace. French doors open to screened patio and oasis style pool, spa and waterfall. Granite counters, wood floors and plantation shutters.

Amanda Black

REALTOR®, Interior Designer amandablackfl@gmail.com

CREATIVITY MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP

Once the duo got serious about their crafting, their husbands bought the equipment they needed to cut the wood and print stencils. Their style changes with the trends, but at the moment, they are working on many farmhousestyle, shabby-chic pieces. The duo uses reclaimed wood on a majority of the projects. It’s great for the rustic, shabby-chic style, Butler said, because it’s not smooth and there are imperfections. They create everything from signs to kitchen trays, planter boxes, small coffee tables and vinyl lettering. Now, the two are even starting to test the waters with refurbishing furniture. Everything they’ve done so far is self-taught. Butler’s husband worked in a cabinet factory for years, so he has some working knowledge of woodworking that comes in handy. If Butler and White want to make something in particular, they can always turn to YouTube, Pinterest or Google for guidance — but they always create things with their own twist. “We design everything ourselves and then cut the stencils and paint using the stencils,” Butler said. “The designing takes more time than anything. I could sit there for three hours trying to design something for someone: It could be a three-letter or fourword sign, but it would take me that time to find the right font or layout. Other times, it could take 20 minutes to do something. It depends on what the person is looking for.”

Butler Chain of Lakes | $1,287,000

Classic 1930’s lake house in the heart of Old Windermere. Lovingly restored preserving original windows, wood floors and cypress siding while incorporating updated island kitchen and bathrooms. Open pool, sandy beach and grandfathered boathouse.

Winter Garden | $299,000

Walk to downtown! Charming 4/3 home is totally updated with open floor plan. Quality finishes throughout include granite counters and bamboo flooring. Large screened porch and private back yard shaded with mature oaks.

Judy Black

One of the best parts of the business is seeing the looks on happy customers’ faces once they see their completed pieces, Butler said. And looking back on her and White’s handiwork from three years ago always reminds them how far they’ve come. “In those three years, it’s like chalk and cheese; it’s completely different,” she said. “But we love doing it. Even if we don’t have any orders, we still make stuff. It’s relaxing and we enjoy doing it. Not everything comes out perfect, and I do have some complete failures, but I love doing it.”

“Home — Where Love Begins & Never Ends” sign: $50

HEART-FILLED BUSINESS

Although White and Butler don’t want the business to become a production line, they’d be happy to have more to produce. Currently, the pair is fulfilling custom orders and putting some work into different stores. So far, they’ve had some items go to Sweet, Sassy and Southern at The Grove Orlando, and the two just opened a booth at The Mill in Altamonte Springs. They also work with a couple of Realtors, who buy custom-designed signs for clients as housewarming gifts. “In the future, we’d love to have our own store, but it’s a big investment and very time-consuming,” Butler said. “But for now, even if we didn’t get to the store, I’d like to have it where we’re constantly having orders and things to create for other people. Now is when we’re trying to really launch it.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

Isleworth | $1,580,000

Elegant Isleworth Villa with gorgeous Butler Chain lake views. Lives large with designer island kitchen, luxurious master suite and custom office. Grand gathering room opens to pool, spa and lush gardens. Florida breezy with wood and stone floors and plantation shutters.

The Manors | $525,000

Beautiful 4/3 home sits on 2/3 acre lot expanded by natural greenbelt. Custom built with quality features throughout. Walking distance to Windermere Elem and Rec Center and access to the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Broker Associate 407.810.1803 judyblackfla@gmail.com

COOL FINDS

“This Is Us” sign: $25

“I Love You More” wood picture holder: $25

Windermere | $479,000

BRING THE BOAT...one acre corner lot walking distance to community ramp on the Butler Chain of Lakes! Traditional brick exterior transforms to bright open modern interior. Beautifully renovated 3/2 home with new flooring and designer island kitchen.

WIndermere | $748,000

Mediterranean pool home located at the end of a quiet lane just outside of Windermere. 4,500 sf includes grand island kitchen, high ceilings and abundant windows. Guest quarters includes full kitchen, bedroom, living room and separate entry.

THE JUDY BLACK TEAM www.judyblacklakefront.com

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Keene’s Pointe home sells for $3.75 million SUMMERPORT

MICHAEL ENG

The home at 4339 Indian Deer Road, Windermere, sold March 24, for $335,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,437 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.46.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

home in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from March 24 to 30. The home at 6113 Grosvenor Shore Drive, Windermere, sold March 27, for $3.75 million. Built in 2011, it has seven bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths, a pool and 8,677 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $432.18. SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 80 High Sale Price: $3.75 million Low Sale Price: $71,800 REO/Bank Owned: Five Auction/REO: Two

WINDERMERE LANDINGS

The home at 6274 Golden Dewdrop Trail, Windermere, sold March 27, for $268,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,139 square feet. The price per square foot is $125.29.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY VISTA ESTATES

The home at 9804 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold March 27, for $379,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,699 square feet. The price per square foot is $140.42. BRISTOL PARK

The home at 9483 Wickham Way, Orlando, sold March 29, for $515,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,976 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.05. PARKSIDE

The home at 10429 Doth St., Orlando, sold March 30, for $790,000. Built in 2015, it has seven bedrooms, seven-andone-half baths, a pool and 5,506 square feet.

PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 6971 Tettenhall Lane, Windermere, sold March 27, for $320,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,184 square feet. The price per square foot is $100.50.

HORIZON WEST The home at 14160 Eden Isle Blvd., Windermere, sold March 24, for $465,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,302 square feet. The price per square foot is $140.82. The town house at 7722 Anselmo Lane, Windermere, sold March 29, for $220,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,664 square feet. The price per square foot is $132.21.

Multi-Lingual Offices

The home at 9205 Leeland 720 Celebration A Archer Blvd., Orlando, sold WEST ORANGE Celebration CYPRESS March 29, for $325,000 (REO/ Avenue, 720 Celebration Suite LANDING 100, Facebook.com/Cen FL 34747 home at 8137 Belshire bank owned). Built in Celebration 2007, it The Facebook.com/Century21Celebration Multi-Lingu has five bedrooms, three baths Drive, Orlando, sold March 24, forOffices $400,000. BuiltOffices in 1998,initCelebra and 3,211 square feet. Multi-Lingual

720 Celebration Ave # 21 Celebration

Offices in Celebration, Windermere and Davenport

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Single Family Home in Windermere 4 bed / 4 bath / 3,493 Sq Ft Offered at $634,000 MLS#: O5436827

6749 Valhalla Way Single Family Home in Windermere 5 Bed/ 6.5 Bath/ 6,035 Sq Ft Offered at $1,645,000 MLS#: S4823448

www.Century21BlueSky.com

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1209 Downey Place Celebration

MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property

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789 Celebration Ave Celebration

MLS # S4816524 5 bed949 3 bath 3051 sq ft Westpark 3 car garage

MLS # S4812883 2 bed 2 bath 1211 sq ft 1209 End unit Water St condo

Offered at: $415,000

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MLS # S4815324 3 bed 3.5 bath 3100 sq ft

Downey Place Townhouse with 2 car garage Celebration

# 207 Celebration

MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property

MLS # S4815468 3 bed 2 bath 1460 sq f Elevator building with 1 car garage Offered at: $296,000

908 Waterside Dr Celebration

Offered at: $409,000

MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 2 car garage

Facebook.com/Century21Celebration Twitter: https://twitter.com/C21BlueSkyFL Offered at: $299,900

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754 Siena Palm Dr # 101 Celebration

1109 Ashbee Ln Celebration

MLS # S4810230

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

MLS # S4812780 2 bed 2 bath 1281 sq ft Fully furnished plus 1 car garage

MLS # S4810946 3 bed 2.5 Bath 2,522 Sq ft Over $60,000 in upgrades

Offered at: $429,900

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MLS # S4816524 5 bed 3 bath 3051 sq ft 3 car garage

MLS # 2 bed 2 b End unit W

Offered at: $ 579,000

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We’re e for o

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ED Celebration Ave # 406 1400 C DU Celebration

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

206 Norfolk Pl Celebration

754 Siena Cele

MLS # S4810230

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

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2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration

1211 Stonecutter Dr # 502 Celebration - Artisan Club

MLS # S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft condo. 2 car garage

MLS # S4724783 3 bed 3 bath 1736 sq ft 5th floor condo. 1 car garage

MLS # O5325911 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft 4th floor condo with balcony

MLS # S4726678 2 bed 2 bath 1196 sq ft First floor condo. 1 car garage

Offered at: $275,000

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604 Mulberry Ave # 1101 1410 Celebration Ave # 407 CelebrationOffered Celebration Offered at: $219,900

1102 Wilde Dr – Celebration

at: $429,900 MLS # S4727247

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4 bed 3.5 bath, 3028 sq ft Lowest priced SFH in Celebration with a garage apartment Offered at: $529,000

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604 Mulber Ave # 407from finding the p in Windermere 1410 Celebration Celebration andCele ma MLS MLS # O5325911 Contact our#o 4 Bed/ 3.5 Bath/ 3,538 Sq Ft 2 bed 2b staff to lear 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft First floor cond 4th floor condo with balcony Loc Offered $879,900 Offered at: $219,900 Offered at: $275,000 Offered a Offered at $721,900 Offered at:at $329,000 Ex MLS#: S4833077

931 Spring Park - Celebration 1211Loop Stonecutter Dr # 502 267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration - Artisan Club Celebration MLS # S4817743

MLS # S4809113 4 bed 3.5 bath 2817 under air MLS sq # ftS4724783 26’ 1736 with sq ft 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft Custom Garage, 3 bed 38’x 3 bath 3 separate 9’ garage doors. condo. 2 car garage 5th floor condo. 1 car garage

www.Century21BlueSky.com Century 21 Blue Sky Realty Group would like to introduce you to 3 Realtors who have recently joined our growing firm.

Single Family Home in Orlando 8 Bed/ 6 Bath/ 5,895 Sq Ft Offered at $583,000 MLS#: S4841385

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Single Family Home in Windermere 4 Bed/ 3 Bath/ 3,397 Sq Ft Offered at $995,000 MLS#: S4842856

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7798 Winter Garden Vineland Road #116 Windermere, Fl 34786

949 Westpark # 207 Celebration

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Condo in Orlando 3 Bed/ 2.5 Bath/ 2,270 Sq Ft Offered at $429,000 MLS#: S4843046

and Da

MLS # S4814275 2 bed 2.5 bath 1429 sq Town Center Condo

New Windermere office in the ED UC Lakeside RVillage Shopping Center: D E

2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

8766 The Esplanade, #23

The home at 9082 Outlook Rock Trail, Windermere, sold March 24, for $379,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,986 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.93.

NEWBURY PARK

407.566.0555 DU

The home at 8783 Iron Mountain Trail, Windermere, sold March 24, for $381,794. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,485 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.64.

The home at 13433 Chariho Lane, Windermere, sold March 29, for $294,900. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,599 square feet. The price per square foot is $113.47.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

WINDERMERE TRAILS

LAKES OF WINDERMERE — PEACHTREE

EDEN ISLE

B L U E S K Y R E A LT Y G R O U P

Single Family Home in Winter Garden 4 Bed/ 2.5 Bath/ 2,299 Sq Ft Offered at $267,000 MLS#: S4843859

The home at 7457 Fairgrove Ave., Windermere, sold March 27, for $366,130. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,727 square feet. The price per square foot is $134.26.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 8837 Oak Landings Court, Orlando, sold March 30, for $479,900. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,773 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.06.

Offices in Celebration and Windermere

1588 Sherbourne St

WINDERMERE SOUND

TourFactory.com

This Keene’s Pointe home, at 6113 Grosvenor Shore Drive, Windermere, sold March 27, for $3.75 million. This custom home features 4.49 acres on Lake Tibet.

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Lisa Daya - Direct Line : 407.408.3224 Brook Kwak - Direct Line: 407.454.1522 John Gomez - Direct Line: 321.557.5652 If you’re interested in joining our team, call today for an interview!

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232747

REAL ESTATE

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,024 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.23.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

So local, it feels like your garage!

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11619 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold March 29, for $1.65 million. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,558 square feet. The price per square foot is $296.87.

Call Today!

KELSO ON LAKE BUTLER

The home at 5998 Marleon Drive, Windermere, sold March 24, for $525,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,256 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.24. OXFORD MOOR

The home at 5806 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold March 28, for $780,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 5,122 square feet. The price per square foot is $152.28. WESTMINSTER LANDING

The home at 2308 Longmoore Court, Orlando, sold March 29, for $487,140. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,890 square feet. The price per square foot is $168.56.

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood. WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

INSIDE

Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

FREE

•

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 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

The home at 1919 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold March 24, for $665,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,282 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.30. The home at 2003 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold March 24, for $579,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,783 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.05. WINDERMERE RIDGE

The home at 3325 King George Drive, Orlando, sold March 30, for $459,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,320 square feet. The price per square foot is $138.25.

WINDERMERE BUTLER BAY

The home at 12717 Butler Bay Court, Windermere, sold March 30, for $685,000. Built in 1989,

LAKE DOWN SHORES

The home at 9612 Ambleside Drive, Windermere, sold March 24, for $453,100. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,079 square feet. The price per square foot is $217.94. RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1750 Glenwick Drive, Windermere, sold March 29, for $525,000. Built in 2005, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 3,666 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.21. RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 11054 Ullswater Lane, No. 2, Windermere, sold March 27, for $1 million (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths, a pool and 6,053 square feet. The price per square foot is $165.21.

407-654-3037 www.stoneybrookweststorage.com stoneybrookwestss@cfl.rr.com

IN OCOEE

407-905-7898 www.maguireroadstorage.com maguireroadstorage@cfl.rr.com

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LAKE CYPRESS COVE

WESTOVER RESERVE

IN WINTER GARDEN

WINTER GARDEN

500 S. Dillard St

M-F 6-7:30, Sat 6-7, Sun 6-6

407.656.2593 www.ToolesAceHardware.com

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has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,945 square feet. The price per square foot is $135.82.

The home at 1219 Kelso Blvd., Windermere, sold March 24, for $1.35 million. Built in 1975, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,880 square feet. The price per square foot is $468.75.

See more transactions at OrangeObserver.com

This Kelso on Lake Butler home, at 1219 Kelso Blvd., Windermere, sold March 24, for $1.35 million. It offers 1.33 acres on Lake Butler with a boat dock.

ONLINE

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2017

407-470-7014

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION • MAINTENANCE

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

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

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.”

1319 Green Forest Ct, Suite 412 Winter Garden, FL 34787

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

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www.DuncansACOrlando.com

THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS IS ON PARADE

Paul McGarigal Real Estate Coach The

Showcasing the Best in Central Florida Homes

APRIL 1-9

Specializing in

Southwest Orlando

Explore the latest trends and grandest innovations in home design at the 2017 Parade of Homes.™ This FREE, self-guided tour of Central Florida’s most inspiring homes is a can’t-miss event for anyone looking for their next home, remodeling their current home, or wanting to see the greatest in architecture and design. Experience this year’s showcase home—the Killarney by CalAtlantic Homes at Lake Markham Landings—as well as the other nearly 100 breathtaking residences waiting to be discovered.

Call Me For a

COMPLIMENTARY Real Estate Coaching Session

761-1428

Please Visit: RealEstateCoachOrlando.com RentNowBuyLater.com CALL NOW & Ask About Our

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Official parade guides available at S&W Kitchens, Milcarsky Appliance Showrooms, and Trustco Bank locations.

Visit ParadeofHomesOrlando.com for more details. /GreaterOrlandoBA | 407.629.9242 236043

(407)

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or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com

236089

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

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

THE COVE at HAMLIN

HAVENCREST

THE ESTATES at PEARL LAKE

7518 Blue Quail Lane Orlando, FL 32835

5717 Hamlin GrovesTrail Winter Garden, FL 34787

5850 Pearl Estates Lane Sanford, FL 32771

ESTANCIA at WINDERMERE

CYPRESS RESERVE

1106 Estancia Woods Loop Windermere, FL 34786

THE RESERVE at PHILLIPS COVE

6975 Phillips Reserve Court Orlando, FL 32819

THORNBROOKE atTOWNE CENTER TOWNHOMES 592 Merry Brooke Circle Sanford, FL 32771

THE PRESERVE at LAUREATE PARK

13245 Lower Harden Ave Orlando, FL 32827

OVERLOOK at HAMLIN

7719 Minutemen Loop Winter Garden, FL 34787

THORNBROOKE atTOWNE CENTER

14193 Jomatt Loop Winter Garden, FL 34787

149 Big SpringTerrace Sanford, FL 32771

WALDENCOVE

WOODLAND PARK

428BlueBirchCourt Sanford, FL 32771

12048 Alder Branch Loop Orlando, FL 32824

THE CANYONS at HIGHLAND RANCH

RETREAT at LAKE CHARM

516 BellflowerWay Clermont, FL 34711

Coming soon! Oviedo, FL 32765

ESPLANADE at HIGHLAND RANCH 983 RidgeglenWay Clermont, FL 34711

SOUTHERN OAKS

120 Ethan Hammock Court Oviedo, FL 32765

STEEPLE CHASE

3757 Farm Bell Place Lake Mary, FL 32746

taylormorrison.com I 407-756-5025 � !II_ Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor l:J (JI plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists' renderings and •=:: community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © January 2017, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

taylor mornson .... Homes Inspired by You .. 235828

Celebrating 5 years as part of the Orlando Health family.

I choose full-service healthcare close to home. I choose Orlando Health. For more information, visit

OrlandoHealth.com

Celebrating 5 years as part of the Orlando Health family.

Isn’t it nice to know that you don’t need to drive far to receive world-class healthcare close to home? At Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, we’re proud to be celebrating our 5-year anniversary as part of the Orlando Health family of hospitals. Building upon a 65-year history, Health Central Hospital’s affiliation with Orlando Health and the West Orange Healthcare District has allowed for significant expansions to grow with the community, including: • Tripling the size of our emergency department

• Construction of a new patient tower, allowing us to convert to all private rooms

• Board-certified surgeons who perform a wide spectrum of procedures • Accredited Chest Pain Center, heart and stroke care

• Accredited total knee and hip replacement program • Women’s healthcare and screenings

• State-of-the-art radiology, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services • Cancer care through UF Health Center – Orlando Health

For more information, visit OrlandoHealth.com |